Environment DEC
From the August 2007 issue
Brownfield Grants for Chautauqua, Albany, Suffolk and Jefferson Counties Announced
Dramatic transformations like this are possible at cleaned up brownfield sites
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis recently announced $567,326 in Environmental Restoration Program (ERP) grants for the investigation and remediation of environmental contamination at sites in Chautauqua, Albany, Suffolk and Jefferson counties. The grants are being funded through the 1996 Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act.
Vital Step in Preserving Natural Resources
"Restoring brownfields throughout New York State is a top priority for Governor Spitzer and DEC," Commissioner Grannis said. "These collaborative restoration efforts between the state and local municipalities are essential partnerships in the goal of enhancing communities across the state toward their fullest potential. Brownfield redevelopment provides communities with new economic development possibilities, improved local economies and job opportunities, and is also a vital step in preserving the state's natural resources."
ERP grants cover up to 90 percent of eligible costs for on-site remedial activities and up to 100 percent of eligible off-site costs. Grant recipients are eligible for state assistance through the ERP because they are not responsible for causing the contamination. Grant recipients will cover the balance of the costs.
The Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act authorized $1.75 billion for a range of important environmental programs. The Bond Act included $200 million for ERP grants to municipalities for costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of brownfields. Other applications are under review by DEC and additional grants are anticipated in the near future. Brownfields are abandoned or underused properties where real or perceived environmental contamination hinders the potential for redevelopment.
List of Grants Awarded
The ERP grants announced include:
$132,356 to the City of Dunkirk, Chautauqua County: For the investigation of environmental contamination at the Edgewood Warehouse site.
$139,300 to the City of Albany, Albany County: For the remediation of environmental contamination at the Arbor Hill Gateway Properties site.
$50,670 to the County of Suffolk: For the investigation of environmental contamination at the former Bellport Gas Station site in East Patchogue.
$245,000 to the Town of Watertown, Jefferson County: For the investigation of environmental contamination at the Watertown Center Expressmart.
More Information
For more information on the grants, see the full press release from which this story was excerpted.
