Research is ahead at several central Emporia locations after the Environmental Protection Agency granted the city $500,000.
Assistant City Manager Tayler Wash says the federal money will help to start the process of potentially making several addresses viable business locations.
On the list are 915 Commercial, 923 Commercial and 115 East 5th.
Brownfield properties can be redeveloped, but that process can be hampered by either the confirmed or possible presence of contaminants, pollutants and other hazardous materials. Wash says Emporia Main Street and Terracon, a firm that has worked with the city and USD 23 Emporia on several construction projects over the past decade, encouraged the city to get involved.
Wash says the program does not put any strictures or limits on potential developments that could follow Brownfield cleanup work.
Wash also says this is a no-match grant, so the city doesn’t have to provide any funds or pay for any grant administration work. The city is waiting for word from the EPA on information on what the city needs to handle or provide, as well as when the grant funds will be in the bank.
The EPA says the Brownfields program offers grants and technical assistance to cities, states and tribes for assessment and cleanup projects. What are called Targeted Brownfields Assessments lead to information cities can use with their redevelopment plans. The Technical Assistance program then offers free assistance through access to resources and experts.
Click here for a link to the EPA’s Brownfields information page.
