The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced $5.5 million in grants from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in Houston, Texas. These investments, funded by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aim to address legacy pollution, advance environmental justice, and create healthier communities.
The Houston Land Bank will receive two grants: an assessment grant for $500,000 and a cleanup grant for $5 million. The assessment grant will be used to inventory sites and conduct several environmental site assessments, develop cleanup and reuse plans, and support community engagement activities. The cleanup grant will focus on the former City of Houston Velasco Incinerator Property, which is contaminated with heavy metals, PCBs, volatile organic compounds, semi-volatile organic compounds, and dioxins.
“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 highlighted that President Biden secured historic funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to supercharge EPA’s Brownfields program.
“With experience and expertise, partners like the Houston Land Bank are vital to putting EPA’s Brownfields funding to work quickly and effectively,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.
Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) emphasized her role in advocating for federal dollars to improve lives in her district. She mentioned efforts like calling community meetings on local environmental challenges and working on a cancer study for affected areas.
Christa Stoneham, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Houston Land Bank, expressed gratitude for the funding and community support: “We are committed to continuous engagement and transparency throughout this project.”
Michael C. Nichols, Director of Housing and Community Development Department, also appreciated the administration's assistance: “This long-standing hazard in the East End community has finally received the attention it deserves.”
These initiatives align with President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming for 40% of overall benefits from certain federal investments to flow to disadvantaged communities.
Since its inception in 1995, EPA’s Brownfields Program has provided nearly $2.7 billion in grants for assessing and cleaning up contaminated properties. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has significantly increased annual funding availability from approximately $60 million to nearly $160 million per year.
For more information on selected applicants or additional details about EPA’s Brownfields Program visit their official webpage.
