The Blight Elimination and Brownfield Redevelopment Program (BEBR) provides grant funds to assist local governments, businesses and individuals with assessing and remediating the environmental contamination of an abandoned, idle or underused industrial or commercial facility or site. The maximum grant award is $1.25 million. Grants require a 20 to 50 percent match depending on the size of the grant awarded.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Any city, village, town, county, individual or businesses may apply for funds provided that the party that caused the environmental contamination and any person who possessed or controlled the environmental contaminant is either unknown, cannot be located or is financially unable to pay.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
BEBR grants may be used for brownfields redevelopment or associated environmental remediation activities on sites with demonstrated soil and/or groundwater contamination. Eligible costs are determined during a review of the grant application. However, grant funds may typically be used for the following activities:
• The environmental investigation, remediation or groundwater monitoring of the site; The removal of underground storage tanks or hazardous waste containers
• The acquisition cost of the brownfield site
• Site clearance, building demolition or building renovation
• Asbestos and lead paint abatement
• Infrastructure improvement
APPLICATION & AWARD PROCESS
The BEBR program has a continual application process in which applications are accepted throughout the year, and potential applicants are encouraged to contact Program Staff and the Area Development Manager to discuss the project first. In reviewing the applications, WEDC considers the following criteria in an application review:
• The potential of a project to promote economic development;
• Whether the project will have a positive effect on the environment;
• The quality and amount of the applicant’s contribution to the project; and
• The innovativeness of the proposal for remediation and redevelopment.
Grant Recipient
Each successful applicant must enter into a contract with WEDC for the purpose of implementing the proposed grant. The contract will require the creation and maintenance of the project’s proposed new full-time positions for a minimum two-year period. Recipients must provide regular financial and program reports and when applicable, ensure compliance with Federal requirements such as environmental review and Davis-Bacon wage issues.
CONTACT INFORMATION
If you have any questions regarding the program or other forms of brownfield financial assistance, please contact:
Al Rabin, Finance Specialist al.rabin@wisconsin.gov
(608)267-8926
