FLORIDA RECEIVES $800,000 FOR BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 30, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

FLORIDA RECEIVES $800,000 FOR BROWNFIELD REDEVELOPMENT

~Federal brownfield grants restore environment, stimulate economy~

TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. congratulate three Florida communities for receiving $800,000 in brownfield grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Brownfields are properties where expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental pollution. Florida received this grant funding to help communities revitalize properties environmentally, restore economic vitality and mitigate potential health risks.

“The brownfield redevelopment program is not only helping to clean up environmental contamination, but it is also building stronger communities, bringing new business opportunities into Florida’s cities and providing jobs for our residents,” said DEP Secretary Vinyard. 

The department assisted applicants with the EPA grant process and will provide continued support to redevelop properties and return them to the community. Using these federal grants, local communities are able to provide training and revitalize areas that would otherwise sit idle and abandoned and return them to a useful, productive state. These EPA brownfield grants, when used with the Florida brownfield redevelopment program, are a powerful tool for community revitalization. The three Florida recipients were selected for federal funding from a pool of national applicants based on community need and public involvement. Grant recipients and their respective projects follow.   

Central Florida Regional Planning Council – Two brownfield assessment grants totaling $400,000 will be used to fund up to 27 environmental site assessments, plan for cleanups, monitor public health and conduct community outreach activities.   

Corporation to Develop Communities (CDC) of Tampa – With this $200,000 workforce development and job training grant, CDC of Tampa plans to train 54 students, place 51 graduates in environmental jobs and track graduates for one year.   

City of St. Marks - A $200,000 grant will be used to clean up the eastern parcel of the former St. Marks Refinery located at 627 Port Leon Drive in Wakulla County.

The DEP’s Northwest District is hosting its 2nd Annual Northwest Florida Brownfield Workshop on August 13 at the Washington County Agricultural Center in Chipley. At the workshop, federal, state and local experts will gather to provide an opportunity for interested parties to learn more about brownfield redevelopment. Topics that will be discussed include updates to Florida brownfield laws, economic incentives, assessment funding and grants. For more information on the workshop, contact Brandy Smith at 850-595-0695 or brandy.m.smith@dep.state.fl.us

Florida’s Brownfield Redevelopment program began in 1998 and is one of the fastest growing programs in the nation with a steady annual increase in development projects. Currently, there are 357 designated brownfield areas in Florida. If eligible, properties within a brownfield area may pursue cleanup under Florida’s brownfield program. Since inception, 196 brownfield projects have entered Florida’s program and of these, 72 brownfield projects have been completed. The Florida brownfield redevelopment program leverages economic and regulatory incentives to attract private capital to clean up and redevelop areas in Florida, create new job opportunities and enhance economic prospects.  

For more information about Florida’s brownfield redevelopment program click here.  

To learn more about the grants, click here.