Brownfields are abandoned, idle or underused commercial or industrial properties where expansion or redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination.  Brownfields can be an abandoned corner gas station, a hundred-acre industrial facility, or other problem properties with which planning officials are all too familiar.  Sometimes private redevelopment isn’t the solution and the best use is community use - a new park or a public facility.  Local governments can get help from DNR’s Remediation and Redevelopment Program, which is now offering the third opportunity to apply for Brownfield Green Space and Public Facilities Grants.

These unique grants can be used by to pay for environmental cleanup of brownfields that will be used as parks, athletic fields and natural areas, storm water basins, libraries, city shops, fire stations and more.  For example, in 2006 the City of Superior received a grant for environmental cleanup of a brownfield that will be used by the Superior Amateur Hockey Association to expand their ice rink.  In addition, Kenosha, Oshkosh, Geneva, Delavan, Waukesha, Fond du Lac, Kaukauna, Eau Claire, West Allis, Green Bay, Racine, Madison and Milwaukee have already received grants in the two previous application periods, and the 2007-09 state budget designates another $1 million for the third round.  DNR will accept grant applications starting on January 25, 2008, and the application period will remain open until February 6, 2009, or until all available funds are awarded. 

 Grant eligible costs include development of a remedial action (contamination cleanup) plan and environmental remediation. Ideal projects are ready for environmental cleanup at the time of the grant application.  The community should have a clear plan to successfully redevelop the property and preliminary work to define the contamination should already be completed so the applicant can begin the remediation and redevelopment.  These grants are a great follow-up to other brownfield grants, such as DNR’s Brownfield Site Assessment Grants.  DNR is happy to discuss potential grant projects.  Please contact Michael Prager in the Remediation and Redevelopment Program at Michael.Prager@Wisconsin.gov, or at 608-261-4927 with your questions.