On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3,150,770 in grant awards as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The grants aim to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in South Carolina while advancing environmental justice. These investments through EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs are intended to transform polluted, vacant, and abandoned properties into community assets, creating jobs and spurring economic revitalization in overburdened communities.
EPA selected two communities in South Carolina to receive these grants totaling more than $3,150,770. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan is set to announce the awards in Philadelphia alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon at a local brownfield site near Bartram’s Mile.
“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.”
Acting Regional Administrator Jeaneanne Gettle emphasized the administration's commitment: “Today’s announcement by President Biden and Administrator Regan reflects this administration’s commitment to ensure that benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, affordable and sustainable housing, and other investments flow to disadvantaged communities.”
Communities under economic stress often lack resources for brownfield cleanup projects. Transforming these sites into community assets can attract jobs and promote economic revitalization.
The City of Hartsville has been selected to receive a $500,000 assessment grant from EPA for activities including developing four cleanup plans and supporting reuse planning within Oakdale Neighborhood and College Heights communities.
EPA's Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.7 billion in grants for assessing and cleaning up contaminated properties. The program has seen increased funding due to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For further details on grant recipients or more information on EPA's Brownfields Program visit their official webpage.
