EPA announces $2 million in Brownfields grants for Vermont

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $2 million in Brownfields grants for projects across Vermont on Wednesday, including three that will be included in the state’s Brownfield Economic Revitalization Alliance (BERA) program.

“Given Vermont’s deep and commonly held understanding of the close relationship between our economic vitality and our environmental health, the BERA program is a model of the collaboration necessary to tackle the complex work of redeveloping contaminated sites,” Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin said. “Each of these projects represent an exciting opportunity to improve the lives of Vermont residents, and the resilience and livability of our communities. “

The grants will be going to municipalities and organizations throughout the state, where they will be used to assess, clean up and redevelop vacant sites in order to boost local economies. Brownfields grants in New England alone have totalled nearly $247 million. Nationally the program has leveraged more than $2.5 billion in investments from the private sector.

“EPA is proud to further assist Vermont and its citizens with this Brownfield funding," EPA Regional Administrator for New England Curt Spalding said. "Cleaning and revitalizing contaminated sites helps create jobs, and can be the catalyst to create new businesses or village centers, all while making our environment cleaner and the community healthier. This is just one way EPA works to make a difference in communities all across New England.”