EPA awards $6.5M for contaminated NJ sites

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced May 12 it is awarding $6.5 million in Brownfields Grants to four New Jersey applicants.

The New Jersey portion is part of $254.5 million awarded overall to 265 communities around the country.

Brownfield projects can range from cleaning up buildings with asbestos or lead contamination, to assessing and cleaning up abandoned properties that once managed dangerous chemicals. Once cleaned, former brownfield properties can be redeveloped into productive uses such as grocery stores, affordable housing, health center, museums, parks, and solar farms.

“The brownfields program is a powerful tool that helps overburdened communities in New Jersey address local inequities by providing a means to revitalize properties and promote environmental health, economic growth, and job creation,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa Garcia. “The Brownfields program transforms communities, and BIL gives the program a huge shot in the arm – with a historic $1.5 billion dollars that will be leveraged to make a real and lasting on-the-ground difference for communities across the country.”

The New Jersey applicants selected for the grants are:

• Asbury Park, Cleanup Grant of $500,000
• Camden Redevelopment Agency, Revolving Loan Fund Supplemental Grant of $3.5 million
• Hamilton Township, Cleanup Grant of $500,000
• New Jersey Economic Development Authority, Assessment Grant of $2 million for projects statewide

“Our path toward continued, equitable economic growth is paved by the steps we take today to clean up and cultivate healthy, safe environment,” said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. “This funding will allow New Jersey to transform brownfields into vibrant, productive assets, especially in under-resourced communities. Investments in the remediation of these sites are investments in future opportunities for all New Jersey residents and businesses.”

“During my time as mayor and as senator, I have seen firsthand how the Brownfields program revitalizes communities,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, a Democrat. “I am proud that the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is delivering significant investment in restoring brownfield sites across New Jersey. These federal dollars will protect the health and well-being of communities and promote unrealized economic opportunity.”