Last week, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected 149 communities across the country including Newark, New Jersey to receive funding for brownfield site revitalization to help local governments redevelop vacant and unused properties, transforming communities and local economies.
“With EPA’s Brownfields grants, communities can take contaminated, blighted properties and turn them into usable, environmentally and economically profitable land,” said EPA Regional Administrator Pete Lopez. “We are thrilled to work with our state and local partners to fund under-served and disadvantaged communities cleaning up abandoned industrial and commercial properties.”
“Brownfields grants have the power to protect New Jersey’s public health communities, and they are a smart economic investment,” said U.S. Senator Cory Booker. “This is the next step in the revitalization of my home, the City of Newark, and will transform sites along the Passaic River from dangerous eyesores to redeveloped areas that can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
“Cleaner environments create stronger communities,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Deputy Commissioner Debbie Mans. “Throughout New Jersey, sites like these can become thriving assets that make their cities and neighborhoods safer and more enjoyable for everyone. We are pleased to share this commitment to revitalizing brownfields with the EPA.”
“Newark’s formerly industrial Passaic riverfront has enormous potential for redevelopment once hazardous brownfields are cleaned up and made safe,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “The grant to remediate the 1,250-acre section of the riverfront in the North Ward, including the former Seton Leather Company and Q Petroleum sites will help the people of Newark unlock the value, repurpose and gain access to one of our city’s treasures.”
EPA has selected the City of Newark for an $800,000 Brownfields Multipurpose Grant to assess sites for hazardous substances and petroleum contamination, develop cleanup and reuse plans, and conduct cleanup activities. The target area for this grant is the 1,250-acre North Ward of the Newark riverfront, which is centered around a heavily industrialized area along the Passaic River. Priority sites include the Seton Leather Company, a former leather manufacturing facility; and Q Petroleum Incorporated, a former heating fuel oil transfer station.
Of the 149 communities selected nationwide, 108 have identified sites or targeted areas in census tracts designated as federal Opportunity Zones. An Opportunity Zone is an economically-distressed community where new investment, under certain conditions, may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. The grant to the City of Newark will address Opportunity Zones in targeted areas.
