EPA Awards More Than $224 Million in Brownfields Funding!

CCLR assisted 76% of the EPA Brownfields Grant selectees in Regions 9 and 10, securing $22.4 million in funding

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the selectees of its latest Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup (ARC) Grants. A total of 214 grant awards, amounting to over $224 million in crucial funding, will be distributed across the nation to help transform contaminated sites into valuable community assets.

This substantial investment will empower local governments, tribes, and nonprofits in their efforts to assess, clean up, and redevelop brownfield sites. These grants will pave the way for economic growth and enhance well-being in communities burdened by environmental contamination.

In Regions 9 and 10, 32 selectees have secured more than $35 million to address brownfield challenges in their communities. See the full list of selectees here.

The nonprofit Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) provides cost-free grant review and support to federal brownfields grant applicants throughout the American west as the EPA Technical Assistance to Brownfields Communities (TAB) provider in Regions 9 and 10. CCLR played a pivotal role in supporting 25 (75%) successful applications in these regions and $22.4 million (63%) of the total awarded to these regions. A full 82% of awardees in Region 10 received CCLR support.

“We can’t thank CCLR enough for all your help with the application!! Your expertise and support really made for a better, more focused application. We are so excited to get started!” -Region 10 Selectee

EPA MARC grants are highly competitive. In total, only 44% of applicants nationwide were selected, compared to 76% of applicants in Regions 9 and 10 who received CCLR support. The success of applicants supported by CCLR highlights the crucial role TAB providers provide to guide communities through the complex grant application process.

A hearty congratulations goes out to each and every applicant who dedicated their time and effort to this important endeavor. Regardless of whether or not your application was accepted, it is a positive step forward for your community. Your FY25 application positions you well to succeed in FY26 and CCLR is here to support you in your reapplication efforts.

Next Steps for Selectees:

1. All EPA Selectees are required to take the EPA Grants Management Training for Applicants and Recipients.
2. Contact CCLR with any questions or for assistance with grant management.
3. CCLR also recommends these webinars:

Complying with EPA Grants Webinar

Wednesday, May 21, 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET

During this webinar, the EPA will provide an overview to recipients of EPA grants on key policies and procedures that must be followed to ensure effective grant management and compliance.

Grant or No Grant: Let’s Navigate Your Next Move

Thursday, May 22, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET

CCLR consultant Joelle Greenland, AICP and other TAB representatives will dive into what your next steps are after receiving your EPA brownfield grant including workplan development and proper procurement.

Dynamic Blueprints: A Game Plan for Your Workplan to learn the ins and outs of developing your work plan and getting it approved by EPA.

Next Step for Unsuccessful Applicants:

1. Request a debrief with EPA to understand where the weak points in your application are so that if and when you apply again, your grant will be more competitive.
2. Schedule a meeting with CCLR to further discuss/understand some of the points that were made by EPA in the debrief. We can help clarify feedback, respond to any lingering questions you may have, and help you develop next steps.
3. Read through successful grant applications to see how awardees presented their projects, data and overall story – this is a valuable way to learn what EPA is looking for. Do this soon, as applications are only available for a short time.
4. Track the FY 26 Grant Cycle. Stay in touch with CCLR as to when the FY 26 applications for Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup grants will be released. Historically, this has been in September.
5. Get your grant reviewed by CCLR! On average, having CCLR review your application once, or even better multiple times, doubles your chances of getting awarded. Join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on grant news and how to have your application reviewed.

Are you thinking about applying in FY26?

It is never too early to start thinking about your EPA brownfields grant application. Schedule a meeting with CCLR to learn what you can be doing now to prepare a successful application this autumn.