According to the definition from the EPA, a brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Some may read that and run for the hills. We read that and think “Opportunity!”
Washington County Brownfield Site Redevelopment Program
Did you know that Washington County has a collaborative program centered around brownfield redevelopments? The Brownfield Site Redevelopment Program (SRP), in existence since 2015, obtains and distributes funds from the United States EPA. These funds are used to prioritize brownfield sites and conduct needed environmental impact assessments. Coalition Partners, including the cities of Hartford and West Bend, the Villages of Germantown, Jackson, Kewaskum, Richfield, and Slinger, EDWC and Washington County work together to share resources and direct US EPA funds where they are most needed.
In an effort to effectively redevelop and revitalize selected sites throughout the County, a Site Redevelopment Steering Committee was formed to provide input into the grant application and implementation of the grant out of the general revenue fund. EDWC chose to lead the way in this effort, modeling and proposing a new strategic partnership with Washington County around the Impact Revolving Loan Fund.
Benefits of Redeveloping Brownfields
EDWC works with the SRP to support loans, subgrants, remediation of contamination, analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives, and Community Involvement Plans. The redevelopment of brownfield sites is a win/win opportunity for both businesses and the community. A business interested in brownfield sites is able to leverage funding support for assessment and remediation for sites their competition may have avoided, while the community realizes:
- increased tax base
- increased employment opportunities
- assessment of hazardous and petroleum contaminated brownfield sites
- reuse/redevelopment opportunity analysis
EDWC works with businesses to help them understand how to capitalize on the opportunity that brownfield sites provide. We also leverage our site selection tool to search for details on available brownfield sites. Try it here:
Success Stories
The Washington County Site Redevelopment Program (SRP) has a record of success in spurring redevelopment projects, resulting in millions of dollars in leveraged funds. We recently highlighted one of these “wins” in a recent blog article on the 1840 Brewing Company and The District.
You can view the details of several brownfield success stories here:
If you would like guidance in looking for the right site for your next growth project, get in touch with one of our experts today.