EPA presents Brownfields grant to Philadelphia organization

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding an $820,000 Brownfields grant to support the assessment and cleanup of abandoned industrial and commercial properties in Philadelphia.

The brownfields revolving loan fund grant goes to the Philadelphia Authority of Industrial Development (PAID). Philadelphia is one of 131 communities nationwide to receive $55.2 million in EPA brownfields grants this year.

Brownfields are properties where real or suspected environmental contamination has prevented productive reuse of those properties.

“Brownfields funding helps communities remove critical barriers to redevelopment and reuse,” says EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin. “This funding supports Philadelphia’s plans for improving the quality of life of residents by reclaiming areas for housing, commercial development and open space and at the same time protecting public health and the environment.”

EPA’s Brownfields Program strives to expand the ability of communities to recycle vacant and abandoned properties for new, productive reuses. Investments provide communities with the funding necessary to assess, clean up and redevelop contaminated properties, boost local economies and leverage jobs while protecting public health and the environment.