Washington County CDA Receives $1.5 Million Grant for Underutilized Sites

The Washington County Community Development Agency (CDA) will receive $1.5 million in Brownfields grant funds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This program helps communities test and clean up vacant and underutilized sites, preparing them for redevelopment. By covering the cost of remediation and other land-preparation expenses, communities can promote shovel-ready sites to developers, bringing businesses, housing, and opportunities to the region.

“I am incredibly proud of the various cities in Washington County that helped with this grant application,” says Chris Eng, Economic Development Director for the CDA. “Our communities participated in previous EPA grant projects and provided valuable insight and attention to detail to receive this round of funding.”  

Across the United States, the EPA awarded $248 million in Brownfields Grants, with 190 total communities receiving funds. Not only is this program good for Washington County, Minnesota, but it also rebuilds America.

The Grants Support Different Environmental Projects 

These funds can be used in Washington County to evaluate land and prepare it for development. According to the EPA, a brownfield is a property that may face barriers to development because of the potential presence of a hazardous substance or contaminant. It includes parcels that have been abandoned or sit vacant simply because they haven’t yet been evaluated for reuse.

Not every brownfield site has hazardous materials and toxic chemicals. In fact, the EPA states that 30% of sites do not need environmental cleanup prior to redevelopment.

Washington County CDA will use the funds to conduct environmental assessments to understand the potential of various properties. A few tests the funds can cover include:

• Phase I and II Environmental Reviews
• Soil testing
• Remediation plans
• Lead and asbestos testing on dilapidated buildings

No match is required for the funds, allowing Washington County to maximize the value it provides on various projects. This year, the grants have a planning component for the reuse of redevelopment sites, which includes housing.

The CDA will continue to partner with Stantec, chosen through last year’s RFP process, to administer the funds. 

Underused Sites Can Be Reclaimed for Development 

Washington County is increasingly getting built up, and there aren’t an unlimited number of undeveloped parcels for companies to move to or for housing projects to be built on. These grants allow the CDA and Washington County’s various communities to identify high-potential areas that could be reclaimed or remediated.

Through environmental testing and remediation development, previously undesirable land can be used again. This applies to abandoned or neglected buildings. Asbestos testing and removal could turn a forgotten structure into an opportunity for a new business or housing in the form of lofts and apartments.  

This program also protects the natural beauty of Washington County and preserves its high quality of life. Rather than developing areas that residents love for their access to nature, the CDA can focus on parcels already found in commercial or residential areas.

“The goal of the CDA is to keep Washington County a wonderful place to live and do business,” says Eng. “These grant funds allow us to attract business, which creates jobs for residents, while also protecting this beautiful community they call home.” 

Land Preparation Attracts Companies and Construction 

Remediation and environmental testing make Washington County more attractive to developers. There’s a lot of competition in economic development to bring in expanding or relocating businesses. By offering parcels ready for development, Washington County can compete with other municipalities across the Twin Cities and even with those in other states.

“These sites already have infrastructure, so companies don’t have to worry about building roads and connecting utilities,” says Eng. “We are streamlining the development process by showing a clean bill of environmental health.”

Washington County residents can also view these grant projects as a good thing. The testing will either prove that the commercial properties around them are clean enough to be reused or their remediation may be prioritized for future development. Not only do communities get to enjoy new businesses and housing, but they also feel safe knowing they live in environmentally safe neighborhoods.

Communities Can Nominate Potential Sites Online

Local municipalities will be able to nominate potential brownfield sites for testing and remediation shortly. They can track the EPA Brownfield Grant page on the CDA website for updates. The CDA is always seeking input on potential sites and development opportunities in the community. If you have any questions or want to brainstorm ideas, contact Chris Eng at the CDA. He is happy to discuss the grant and how funds have been used in the past. Don’t hesitate to reach out today.