Michael S. Regan 16th Administrator, United States Environmental Protection Agency | Official Website
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $4 million in grants from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in Arkansas, advancing 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, and abandoned properties into community assets while creating jobs and spurring economic revitalization.
EPA selected the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment and the Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District for over $3 million in competitive EPA Brownfields funding through the MAC Grant programs. Additionally, $1 million in supplemental funding will be provided to existing high-performing Brownfields RLF Grant Programs to expedite their continued work at sites in Arkansas.
“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. Under my Administration, we are making that a reality by ensuring the historic resources from my Investing in America agenda reach communities that need it most.”
“President Biden sees contaminated sites and blighted areas as an opportunity to invest in healthier, revitalized communities,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “That’s why he secured historic funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, supercharging EPA’s Brownfields program to clean up contaminated properties in overburdened communities.”
“The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment and Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District have impressive records of getting the most out of Brownfields funding by effectively investing in assessment and cleanup efforts,” said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.
Communities under economic stress often lack resources for brownfield cleanup projects. Transforming these sites into community assets attracts jobs, promotes economic revitalization, and fosters sustainable environments.
Thanks to a $1.5 billion boost from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, EPA’s Brownfields Program is addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges caused by brownfields more effectively than ever before.
EPA’s Brownfields Program supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aiming for 40% of federal investment benefits to flow to disadvantaged communities overburdened by pollution. Approximately 86% of selected MAC and RLF Supplemental program applications proposed work in such areas.
