PROVIDENCE, RI – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline announced $1 million in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brownfields grants to help Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls safely clean up and restore several brownfields – properties that have been contaminated by harmful substances. 

Established by the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002, the EPA’s Brownfields Program allows states, municipalities, and local communities to safely clean up and sustainably redevelop property compromised by the presence or possible presence of harmful substances.  Brownfields grants are issued through four competitive grant programs: assessment grants, revolving loan fund grants, cleanup grants, and job training grants.  The Rhode Island communities have all received cleanup grants.

According to the EPA, every dollar invested in brownfield clean-up has been shown to yield nearly $18 in economic development benefits, including the creation of jobs cleaning up the sites, use of remediated sites for development, and increased property values in surrounding areas.

“This federal brownfield funding can play a key role in unlocking local redevelopment opportunities and restoring these sites to productive use,” said Senator Jack Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees federal funding for all EPA programs.  In 2002, Reed helped pass legislation making this federal funding possible.  “Not only will this federal investment help protect public health and the environment, but it will also allow communities to work in partnership to revitalize these sites and strengthen the local economy.”

“Cleaning up these brownfields is a win for our environment, public health, and economy,” said Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which has jurisdiction over the brownfields program at the EPA.  “This funding will help Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls clean up several contaminated properties, making them safe and healthy places to live and do business.  Congratulations to all three communities on securing these grants.”

“The $1 million in EPA Brownfield grants coming into Rhode Island will support jobs, improve environmental conditions and clear the way for future development in previously blighted areas,” said Congressman Jim Langevin.  “The I-195 land in particular presents an exciting opportunity for economic growth in the capital city, and I am thrilled these EPA funds will be used in part to clean up the area and make it more attractive for economic revitalization.”

“I am delighted that we have secured $1 million in EPA Brownfields grants to help transform blighted, contaminated land into environmentally sound areas that will improve our local economy,” said Congressman David Cicilline.  “Bringing back this federal funding is critical for helping our state to continue building up healthy, secure, and vibrant neighborhoods that benefit all of us.”

The I-195 Redevelopment Commission will receive $200,000 to clean up Parcel 30 of the I-195 Redevelopment District, also known as “The Link,” in Providence.  The parcel housed a jewelry manufacturer prior to construction of Interstate 195 in the 1950s, which left it contaminated with volatile organic compounds.  In addition to clean-up, the funding will help the Commission conduct community outreach concerning the property.

The Pawtucket Central Falls Development Corporation (PCFDC) will receive $600,000 for cleanup at three parcels of land on Branch and East streets in Pawtucket.  From the 1800s through the 1970s, the properties were used for residential purposes, but are now vacant and found to be contaminated with metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.  The funding will also help the PCFDC conduct community outreach activities.

Central Falls will receive $200,000 to clean up 1420 Broad Street, which has been a manufacturing plant, an automotive repair facility, and various other commercial establishments through the years, leaving it contaminated with arsenic and dangerous material.  Central Falls will also use the funding for community outreach activities.

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