The MPCA has grant money available from the U.S. EPA to fund environmental assessments of brownfield properties, to support redevelopment and reuse. The work is performed by MPCA contractors at no cost to the grant recipients.
The grant can be used for:
- Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments
- Sampling and analysis plans/work plans
- Hazardous materials building surveys to identify lead paint and asbestos
- Preparation of response action plans
- Community engagement for reuse planning
- MPCA Brownfield Program fees
MPCA staff perform technical reviews and approve work plans, investigation reports, and cleanup plans to ensure that environmental concerns are properly addressed during site redevelopment. The MPCA also provides liability assurance and environmental closure letters, as appropriate, for contamination identified at the property.
Eligibility
Eligible sites in Minnesota can be publicly or privately owned with known or suspected contamination. Applicants cannot be a responsible party for the contamination.
The MPCA seeks to fund projects:
- That provide community benefits and have community support
- In disadvantaged communities or areas of concern for environmental justice, when the project will benefit the existing neighborhood and avoid physical or cultural displacement
- That create community greenspace
- In small communities in greater Minnesota
Available funds
The MPCA has funding available from the U.S. EPA for environmental assessment of brownfield properties:
- Approximately $90,000 per year, made possible by national brownfields legislation enacted in 2002.
- $2 million for 2022 to 2027 from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, which funds assessment work in areas of concern for environmental justice.
How to apply
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.