The guidance documents for the 2024 EPA Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Brownfields Grants were released late last week. Revolving-Loan Fund grants will not be offered this year. EPA Brownfield Grants provide direct funding for a variety of brownfield-related activities. The due date for grant submissions is November 13, 2023.
An informal survey conducted by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) during its EPA Brownfields Grant Training Webinar identified that participants had the following split for intended submissions in 2024.
Assessment: 60%
Coalition Assessment: 20%
Cleanup: 50%
Multipurpose: 40%
Both EPA and LDEQ will be providing virtual training this week to help applicants prepare their grant submissions.
EPA GUIDELINES WEBINARS
EPA will offer the following guidelines webinars.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 12 PM ET - This webinar will focus on the FY 2024 Narrative ranking criteria for entities applying for:
Multipurpose Grant funding
Community-wide Assessment Grant funding
Assessment Coalition Grant funding
Community-wide Assessment Grants for States and Tribes funding
Please click the link to join the webinar at https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1602838047 or join by telephone at 1-646-828-7666; Webinar ID: 160 283 8047
Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 1 PM ET - This webinar will focus on the FY 2024 Narrative ranking criteria for entities applying for:
Cleanup Grant funding
Please click the link to join the webinar at https://usepa.zoomgov.com/j/1600119960 or join by telephone at 1-646-828-7666; Webinar ID: 160 011 9960
LDEQ GRANT WRITING WORKSHOPS
LDEQ will offer the following guidelines webinars.
September 25, 2023, 9:30-12:30 AM CT
September 26, 2023, 9:30-10:45 AM; 1:30-3:30 AM CT - Break to accommodate EPA Grant Webinar
Register in advance to receive login information: https://deqlouisiana.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYsfuyhqTwtGRzG9pyDVKh761OsechTKdp
Before a Brownfields property can be redeveloped, community members need to investigate the site, examine past land use and test soils where contamination is likely. Contaminants found at levels that may pose health risks to community members are generally removed, treated, capped or contained in ways that limit exposure risks appropriate to the planned reuse. Community-supported and urban agriculture projects may be appropriate for properties or structures that are not contaminated, contamination was limited and below levels requiring a response or properties where contaminants are capped or contained to limit exposure and certain forms of gardening or growing would be permitted.
The addition of soil amendments can help improve soil structure, balance pH and in some instances can help bind contaminants and reduce exposure, providing further benefits to the property and surrounding community. A farm or community garden with good soil management practices can improve the environment and stormwater management, expand green infrastructure, reduce greenhouse emissions, and improve access to healt
hy, locally grown food. Other possible benefits include promoting health and physical activity, increasing community connections, and attracting economic activity.
Please see the Know Before You Grow info guide to see the steps to consider when creating urban agriculture and community garden reuses in former vacant areas. For more information, visit the EPA Website.
The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) and the City of Alexandria will host the 2023 Louisiana Brownfields Conference on October 25-26, 2023 in Alexandria, LA. This FREE two-day conference is packed with information, resources, and expert insights on significant Brownfield topics including:
How to prioritize Brownfield sites and build an inventory
How to attract developers to rural communities
EPA guidance on the new Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Funding
How to navigate the adjudication process for blighted tax delinquent properties in your community
Federal, State, and Local resources to support Brownfield projects, AND MORE!
Date: October 25-26, 2023
Location: Convention Hall - 915 3rd Street, Alexandria, LA
Hotel Accommodations: Holiday Inn Downtown Alexandria - 701 4th Street, Alexandria Hotel Block: Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality Brownfield Conference Group Code: LDE Book a room on the IHG Website or call (318) 541-8333 to make your reservation over the phone.
REGISTER TODAY by completing the registration form on the LDEQ Website. The event is free but registration is required to reserve your spot as space is limited.
