Brownfields are abandoned, blighted, or underused properties where reuse is complicated by potential or actual contamination. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has grant money available to fund investigation of previous uses of properties to support redevelopment and reuse. The work is performed by MPCA contractors at no cost to the grant recipients. Funding comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Applicants include, but aren’t limited to:
- Community organizations
- Local units of government
- Emerging developers (developers who have completed 5 or fewer projects)
- Tribal entities
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-based paint and asbestos-containing materials
- Preparation of cleanup/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 responsible for the contamination.
Ineligible sites and activities. The grant cannot be used for:
- Federal or State Superfund sites.
- Abatement of radon or mold.
- Single-family homes: Renovations, expansions, or building abatement that does not end in demolition. For information on single-family home testing for lead and asbestos, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website.
- Closed permitted landfills.
- Hazardous materials cleanup and/or abatement.
- Cleanup actions.
Available funds
Typical grants range from $10,000-50,000 but there is no limit.
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 via email at brownfieldgrants.mpca@state.mn.us and are reviewed on an ongoing basis.