Mt. Clemens, MI - The Macomb County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority was recently awarded a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that will help local communities and private property owners assess and clean up brownfield sites for future economic development.
The Brownfield Assessment Grant, which will be administered by the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED), provides funding to inventory, characterize, assess and identify cleanup, planning and community involvement activities for sites across the county.
"This is a great opportunity for Macomb County to turn idled property back into productive use," said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. "Working in partnership with our local communities, this EPA grant will help us attract investment for properties with the highest potential for positive economic impact."
MCPED plans to use the funds to assess brownfield sites where redevelopment will support initiatives intended to improve the environment, economy and quality of life for Macomb County residents.
The county is currently reviewing proposals from highly qualified and experienced consultants to assist with this work. The consultant will be tasked with completing specified environmental assessment work. The project period will run from January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2023.
According to the EPA, a brownfield is a property where expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant. It is estimated that there are more than 450,000 brownfields in the U.S.
About Macomb County Planning and Economic Development
The Macomb County Department of Planning & Economic Development supports an environment where businesses prosper and people thrive. Its activities and programs are focused on stimulating the local economy through business retention, expansion and attraction while improving the overall quality of life for residents. The department specializes in providing services to businesses at all stages of development with a concentration on the high-growth industries of aerospace, alternative energy, advanced manufacturing, defense and homeland security. For more information, call 586-469-5285 or visit: https://ped.macombgov.org/Ped-Home