Noblesville recently received a $400,000 Brownfields Assessment grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The city formed a coalition along with the towns of Arcadia and Sheridan to apply for this award in November 2011.
The EPA defines a brownfield as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
“This grant will help us take that crucial first step towards discovering what properties could potentially be cleaned up for future redevelopment in Hamilton County,” said Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear. “The coalition is pleased to receive this award to further our local economy.”
The grant is divided into $300,000 for a Hazardous Substances Assessment and $100,000 for a Petroleum Assessment.
“I consistently get requests from potential developers about brownfields,” said Noblesville’s Economic Development Director Judi Johnson. “Many businesses understand the value of relocating to a former brownfield site. It’s a boon for them as well as the environment.”
EPA Assessment Grants provide funding for a recipient to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct both planning and community involvement related to brownfields sites. The performance period for these grants is three years.