October 16, 2009

Charlotte, NC -- The City of Charlotte is submitting a grant application to fund the development of site assessments and cleanup planning for area Brownfield properties. The Brownfield Program, administered by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), was created for properties unable to be redeveloped, expanded or reused, due to environmental contamination. The program provides financial support for communities to prioritize and assess sites, conduct community involvement activities, and develop a cleanup plan for the affected properties. 

Charlotte is seeking $400,000 through the Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment Grant. The funding would support environmental assessment activities within the City's Business Corridor Revitalization geographical area. The grant funds can be used by both the City of Charlotte as well as private developers.  The additional EPA funds could also enable the City's existing Brownfield Assessment program to expand its eligible activities to include certain clean up costs.

If approved, Charlotte's grant application would be funded in the third Quarter of 2010.  As part of project, the City will create a Brownfield Advisory Group, whose members will review sites under consideration for assessment. For further information about the Brownfield grant and to learn more about serving on the advisory group, contact David Wolfe of the City's Engineering & Property Management Division at (704) 336-3602 or dwolfe@ci.charlotte.nc.us.