Washington D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Peoria a $300,000 Brownfield Assessment Grant. The Brownfield Grant programs aim to assist communities across the country to transform contaminated sites into assets for the community. The grant will be targeted towards economically disadvantaged communities in opportunity zones.
“Economic development is critical to job creation and this award will help transform existing infrastructure in underserved communities into economic drivers for Peoria,” stated Rep. LaHood. “Clean up and assessment efforts are essential to revitalizing abandoned properties. This grant will ensure these efforts continue and I am grateful to the EPA for their commitment to the Peoria community.”
Background
Brownfield properties are properties on which redevelopment is interrupted due to the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance or pollutant. In 2018, the EPA began the Brownfield Grant Program to assist communities with assessment, cleanup, environmental job training, technical assistance, and research.
Peoria, Illinois has been selected to receive an Assessment Grant through the EPA’s Brownfield Program. The grant funds awarded will be used for environmental site assessments and the completion of two cleanup plans. The target area for this grant is the Near Northside Neighborhood, including Hawkeye Rubber Manufacturing, Standard Oil Products, and Former Monroe Street Gasoline Station priority sites.
