On May 20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $5,500,000 in grant awards from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in Georgia while 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, create jobs, and spur economic revitalization in overburdened communities.
EPA selected four communities in Georgia to receive grants totaling more than $5,500,000 through the MAC Grant programs. EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan announced the awards in Philadelphia alongside Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) 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 this commitment: “We are excited about the potential of these brownfields grants to provide jobs while cleaning up blighted areas of these communities and promoting public health and a cleaner environment.”
The Columbus Consolidated Government will receive a $1 million assessment grant for cleaning up Bradley Circle Properties comprising eight properties totaling 8.29 acres.
The Middle Georgia Regional Commission will receive a $1.5 million assessment grant for creating a thorough site inventory, conducting community engagement activities, and preparing site reuse plans focusing on Macon and Milledgeville.
The City of Warner Robins will receive a $1 million multipurpose grant for conducting environmental site assessments, developing an inventory of brownfield sites, preparing community involvement plans and site reuse plans.
EPA anticipates making all awards once legal and administrative requirements are satisfied. The Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.7 billion in grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties prior to this initiative's expansion under President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
For further details on FY 2024 Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup applicants selected for funding or RLF Supplemental funding recipients visit EPA's website.
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