Kaptur Announces $600,000 Brownfields Grant for Lorain County

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 28, 2014) -- Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) today announced a $600,000 federal award to Lorain County for brownfield redevelopment. The grant was made by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Kaptur, a senior member of the Energy and Water subcommittee, said the award will make it possible for Lorain County to survey and clean up brownfield sites for use in economic development and job creation.
“This award is part of reclaiming our legacy and strengthen the local economy,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “Lorain County is one of only 12 communities in Ohio to receive an award.”

She said USEPA announced 264 awards nationally to 171 communities, totaling $67 million for cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated properties.

The Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup Grants will give assist communities in cleaning up and redeveloping contaminated properties, boost local economies and leverage jobs, and protect public health and the environment, particularly in under-served and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

“Not only are these funds protecting the environment and public health by helping communities clean up blighted toxic waste sites, there are new job growth opportunities for local economies to leverage through these investments," said Gina McCarthy, EPA Administrator. “With cities looking at how to combat the impacts of climate change, it's more important than ever for communities to innovate new ways to retrofit formerly polluted sites into assets for the community."

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