Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment Grant
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment (CWA) Grant?
It is a program offered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) via competitive grant process for communities to identify, prioritize, and complete environmental assessments and/or remedial/reuse planning activities throughout the community.
What is a Brownfield?
Brownfields are property where the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant is preventing further development/reuse of the site. They can be but are not limited to:
| · Former manufacturing & industrial sites | · Former gas stations & auto repair shops |
| · Landfills, salvage yards, & illegal dumping sites | · Underutilized warehouses & commercial buildings |
| · Former dry cleaners | · Old railyards & truck depots |
| · Buildings with asbestos or lead-based paint |
Why is the City applying for this grant?
To assist with the positioning of potential brownfield sites for redevelopment and reuse. Additionally, to create an inventory of potential brownfield sites throughout the City and to assist with planning efforts in these areas.
What are specific outcomes of the grant program?
Potential deliverables include, but are not limited to:
| · Inventory of potential brownfield sites through the City | · Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) |
| · Asbestos, lead-based paint, and hazardous building materials surveys | · Reuse plans for brownfield impacted areas or neighborhoods |
| · Clean-up plans |
Who is paying for this work?
100% of the costs for assessments, asbestos and lead-based paint surveys, corrective action plans, and reuse planning will be covered by the EPA Grant. The maximum grant amount is $500,000.
Austin EPA Brownfield Grant Sequence of Events
Austin BAC Kick-Off Meeting Presentation
Council learns more about grant fund to help revitalize properties in Austin