The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of $2.5 million in brownfields assessment selection grants to the Centralina Regional Council and the City of Kannapolis, North Carolina. This funding is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America Agenda.
The Centralina Council of Governments will lead a Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant worth $1.5 million, financed by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The grant will facilitate 30 Phase I and 16 Phase II environmental site assessments, develop 10 cleanup plans, two area-wide plans, and support community engagement activities. The focus will be on textile mill villages in Spencer, Mount Holly, and Albemarle. Priority sites include Dawson Drying and Finishing Facility, North Carolina Finishing Company, Adrian Mill, and Madora Mill.
In addition to this grant, the City of Kannapolis has been selected for a Brownfields Multipurpose Grant amounting to $1 million from the same infrastructure law. These funds will enable 12 Phase I and eight Phase II environmental site assessments along with cleanup planning activities at locations like Former Pillowtex Wastewater Treatment Plant and Wyrick Property/Villa Mobile Home Park.
Jeaneanne Gettle, Acting EPA Region 4 Administrator said: “EPA's Brownfields Program empowers states, communities, and other stakeholders to work together to assess safely clean up and reuse brownfield sites.” She expressed excitement about providing funding for these projects in Centralina and Kannapolis.
Rep. Jeff Jackson emphasized the importance of such initiatives by stating: “Every North Carolinian deserves clean air and water,” highlighting that these grants are vital for cleaning contaminated areas ensuring safe use within communities.
Geraldine Gardner from Centralina Regional Council remarked on launching their Regional Brownfields Program: “We are especially excited to partner with municipalities...to support clean-up transforming brownfield sites into assets.”
Mike Legg from Kannapolis acknowledged governmental collaboration benefits: "There are tremendous public benefits that are created when different levels of government work together."
For more information on brownfield assessments or redevelopment efforts visit EPA’s Brownfields web page.
