Brownfields are complex sites, surrounded by additional liability concerns and regulatory processes. Brownfields also hold the key for many communities to revitalize their economy, become resilient in the face of climate change, and transform health outcomes and to provide neighborhoods with the jobs, housing, parks and amenities they need to thrive.
Recognizing the need to address these abandoned and idled sites, the U.S. EPA operates the Brownfield and Land Revitalization Program which provides funding and assistance to communities to address and manage contaminated properties. The Center for Creative Land Recycling provides free technical assistance to state and local governments, tribes, non-profits, housing authorities, development agencies, and other public entities through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. EPA. We serve EPA Regions 9 and 10, which includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and the Pacific Island territories.
Our experts have decades of experience working on brownfields projects across the country. View examples of our projects here. CCLR is an expert advisor available to support you throughout the lifetime of your redevelopment project. We will meet you where you’re at, help you work through problems, provide you with resources, and connect you with others who can help.
If you are part of a private entity or other group, or are located outside of EPA Regions 9 and 10, please see information on our consulting services or contact us at [email protected] for information on how we may be able to provide discounted support based on project merit and demonstration of need.
EPA Brownfield Services
EPA Brownfield Grants
EPA’s Multipurpose, Assessment, RLF and Cleanup (MARC) grants are awarded each year to address contaminated (or potentially contaminated) sites. While the grants available can vary from year to year, EPA opportunities include:
- Brownfields Assessment Grants: provide funding for brownfield inventories, planning, environmental assessments, and community outreach.
- Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grants: provide funding to capitalize loans that are used to clean up brownfield sites.
- Brownfields Cleanup Grants: provide funding to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites owned by the applicant.
- Multipurpose (MP) Grants: provide funding to conduct a range of eligible assessment and cleanup activities at one or more brownfield sites in a target area.
- Job Training (JT) Grants: provide environmental training for residents impacted by brownfield sites in their communities.
- State and Tribal Response Program Grants: provide non-competitive funding to establish or enhance State and Tribal Brownfields response programs.
CCLR provides annual review of EPA brownfield grants at no cost to you. Learn more about our grant review services.
Targeted Brownfield Assessments
EPA’s Targeted Brownfield Assessment (TBA) Program helps a community gather information about its brownfield sites in preparation for investment through a rolling application process.
EPA provides a cost-free contractor to provide services such as:
- Research into historical property use (phase I assessment)
- Environmental sampling (phase II assessment)
- Fact sheet preparation for staff and community
- Analysis to Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA)
Public entities and non-profit organizations are eligible for the TBA program. A TBA can help clear hurdles and answer questions for potentially contaminated properties in your community, paving a path towards cleanup and redevelopment activities.
Information about TBA in Region 9
EPA Brownfield Grant Resources
the Center for Creative Land Recycling has found that those who get started early have a greater chance of success. Read our Top Tips for getting started on your application now!
Take a look at our upcoming webinars and in-person events for additional learning, networking, and assistance opportunities.
Learn how to write a compelling grant by reviewing past successful EPA grants
