ENVIRONMENT

EPA awards grants to communities for brownfield revitalization

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Shreveport, Louisiana. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Shreveport a $1 million Brownfields Multipurpose Grant this week to fund environmental assessments, cleanup planning and revitalization of the Cross Bayou corridor and Ledbetter Heights, including the former D'Anna Produce site, to remove contamination barriers and prepare properties for reuse and economic development. Montrose officials were also selected to receive a $3.3 million EPA cleanup grant to remediate the former Bullock Electric Steam Plant, and Rep. Wesley Bell announced a $500,000 Brownfields Assessment grant for Bethlehem Lutheran Church on June 25; officials said grants will fund inventories, assessments, community outreach and planning as next steps toward redevelopment.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

1953–1983: Bullock Electric Steam Plant operated in Montrose, Colorado.
1995: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency establishes the Brownfields Program to fund assessments and cleanups.
3. Oct. 12, 2021: City of Montrose purchases the former Bullock Plant site for planned redevelopment.
4. June 25: Rep. Wesley Bell announces a $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment grant for Bethlehem Lutheran Church in north St. Louis.
5. This week: EPA announces a $1 million Brownfields Multipurpose Grant to Shreveport and a $3.3 million cleanup grant to Montrose.

Why This Matters to You

These EPA grants are a big win for local communities. They mean cleaner, safer neighborhoods and potential job growth. If you live in Shreveport or Montrose, you might see some positive changes soon. Keep an eye on local news for updates on these projects.

The Bottom Line

Revitalizing brownfields is a smart move for economic and environmental health. It's about turning neglected, potentially hazardous sites into useful, productive spaces. If you know someone in a community with a brownfield, encourage them to push for similar grants. It's worth forwarding if you care about sustainable development.