The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the allocation of $2.2 million in grants from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to accelerate the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in Texas, while promoting environmental justice. These investments, through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs, aim to transform polluted, vacant properties into community assets, fostering job creation and economic revitalization.
EPA has selected the cities of Balcones Heights, Fort Worth, Hamilton, and Freeport to receive a total of $1.95 million in competitive funding through the MAC Grant programs. Additionally, $250,000 will be provided as supplemental funding to existing high-performing Brownfields RLF Grant Programs for continued work at sites in Dallas.
“Far too many communities across America have suffered the harmful economic and health consequences of living near polluted brownfield sites,” said President Joe Biden. “I've long believed that people who’ve borne the burden of pollution should be the first to see the benefits of new investment.”
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan stated: “President Biden sees contaminated sites and blighted areas as an opportunity to invest in healthier, revitalized communities.” He added that historic funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is enhancing EPA’s efforts to clean up contaminated properties in overburdened communities.
Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance highlighted that Brownfields funding allows cities across Texas to clean up abandoned sites acting as roadblocks to healthy neighborhoods.
Rep. Joaquin Castro (TX-20) expressed pride in seeing tangible results from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: “This funding will allow Balcones Heights to plan and prepare cleanup of polluted properties for safer neighborhoods.”
Rep. Marc Veasey (TX-33) noted: “These investments will go to fight against pollution, clean our air and water and help create brighter outcomes for communities across North Texas.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) emphasized that this latest investment would convert long-contaminated parts of Dallas into opportunities for future generations while addressing systemic discrimination's legacy.
Communities under economic stress often lack resources for brownfield cleanup projects. The transformation of these sites into community assets can attract jobs and promote economic revitalization.
Thanks to a $1.5 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s Brownfields Program is assisting more communities than ever before with addressing challenges caused by brownfields.
EPA’s Brownfields Program supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming for 40% of certain Federal investments' benefits to flow to disadvantaged communities overburdened by pollution.
State Funding Breakdown:
- The city of Balcones Heights will receive $450,000 for environmental site assessments.
- The city of Fort Worth will get $500,000 for site assessments including Butler Place.
- The city of Freeport is allocated $500,000 for inventorying sites.
- The city of Hamilton will use its $500,000 grant for cleaning up Grogan Street Nursing Home.
Additionally:
Dallas' existing high-performing RLF program will receive an additional $250,000 due to significantly depleted funds but ongoing success in cleaning up brownfield sites.
EPA anticipates making all awards once legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. Since its inception in 1995, EPA’s Brownfields Program has provided nearly $2.7 billion in grants for property assessment and cleanup activities.
For more information on recipients or technical assistance grants visit EPA's website or connect via social media platforms such as Facebook or X (formerly Twitter).
