The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nearly $5 million in Brownfields grant funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the cleanup of the Strathmore Mill complex in Montague, Massachusetts. The announcement was made during an event attended by representatives from federal, state, and local governments, including Senator Markey and Nolumbeka Project Chairman David Brule.
"Today's celebration is a win-win," said EPA New England Regional Administrator David W. Cash. "These new brownfields grants represent revolutionary change by turning blight into might."
The Town of Montague has been selected for a $4,920,400 Brownfields Cleanup Grant to clean up the Strathmore Mill property located at 20 Canal Road. The site spans 1.3 acres and includes nine buildings constructed between 1874 and 1970 that are contaminated with inorganic contaminants, heavy metals, petroleum, and PCBs.
More than half of the funding available for this grant cycle comes from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which has increased the maximum award amounts under BIL-funded Brownfields cleanup grants to $5 million per award.
EPA also celebrated a $2 million Community-Wide Assessment grant awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP). This grant will assist MA DEP in supporting a broader range of Brownfields assessment and redevelopment across the state.
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed her support: "This funding will help improve the lives of families in Turners Falls—and shows what government can do when federal and state partners work hand in hand."
Senator Edward J. Markey highlighted the transformation potential: "The remediation of Strathmore Mill will transform this site from a community eyesore to a community asset."
Congressman Jim McGovern emphasized the collaborative effort: "This is what it looks like when local, state, and federal partners come together with a vision for the future."
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey noted the economic benefits: "With redevelopment, communities will see a boost in new jobs and tax revenue."
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bonnie Heiple added: "We are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and EPA for the nearly 250 percent increase in brownfields funding to Massachusetts."
Montague Town Administrator Walter Ramsey stated: "Industrial blight will make way for riverfront recreation and improved river ecology in accordance with a community-supported vision."
Both Brownfields grants celebrated today are part of nearly $35 million allocated to Massachusetts recently. EPA also announced $7 million in Brownfields grants going to Lawrence, Lowell, and Clinton.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests over $1.5 billion through EPA's Brownfields Program to support various public infrastructure projects nationwide. Since its inception in 1995, EPA's Brownfields Program has provided nearly $2.7 billion in grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties.
Brownfield sites often lie near overburdened communities where people live and work. These funds aim to support underserved communities by addressing long-standing economic, social, and environmental challenges.
