The Biden-Harris administration announced the investment of $1.9 million to Virginia for the cleanup and preservation of Brownfield sites.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency granted the $1.9 million to Virginia as part of President Joe Biden's Investing in America Agenda, according to a May 25 news release. The funding aims to expedite the assessment and cleanup of Brownfield sites in the state, while promoting environmental justice.
“This unprecedented Brownfields funding will help Virginia communities leverage much needed resources to revitalize their neighborhoods and become healthier and economically stronger,” EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz said in the release.
The EPA awarded four grants in Virginia through various programs, representing the largest funding ever given in the history of the EPA's Brownfields MARC Grant programs, the release reported.
These investments are part of Biden's broader agenda to grow the American economy from the ground up, according to the release. The funding will stimulate private sector investments in manufacturing and clean energy, create job opportunities and foster the development of a clean-energy economy to combat climate change.
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan also emphasized the significance of these investments, highlighting their role in cleaning up contaminated sites, driving economic redevelopment and delivering much-needed relief to communities, the release said.
The grants will enable Virginia communities to revitalize their neighborhoods, promoting economic growth and healthier environments, according to the release. The projects will focus on conducting environmental site assessments, developing cleanup plans and engaging in community activities.
The EPA's Brownfields Program aligns with the Justice40 Initiative, directing 40% of benefits from federal investments to disadvantaged communities, the release said. The program aims to transform brownfield sites into community assets, attracting jobs and revitalizing historically underserved areas.
The Biden-Harris administration's investment of $1.9 million in Virginia represents a significant step toward achieving the administration's goals of environmental justice, economic growth and sustainable development, the release reported. By transforming contaminated Brownfield sites into community assets, Virginia communities will benefit from healthier environments, job creation and improved quality of life.
