The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded the Harrison County Economic Development Corporation (HEDC), the designated lead economic development agency of Harrison County, with a $500,000 grant to assess properties under its Brownfields Program. The federal grant will provide funding for HEDC and its partners to assess commercial and industrial properties in target areas with environmental contaminants and potential redevelopment or reuse opportunities.

 

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, announced $5,466,135 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Program for ten initiatives across West Virginia. The funding is made possible in large part through the BipartisanInfrastructure Lawand will support assessing and remediating contaminated sites back into productive use.

 

“Addressing and restoring brownfield sites across West Virginia is vital to strengthening our communities and boosting economic development,” Senator Manchin said. “Our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver critical investments for West Virginia, and I am pleased the EPA is investing in these ten important programs. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to protect the health and wellbeing of West Virginians across the Mountain State.”

 

Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial properties where expansion, redevelopment or reuse is hindered by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substance pollutants or contaminant. 

 

“Our goal is development a complete assessment of the Brownfield sites within Harrison County as database.  These sites will be prioritized and act as a catalyst for reuse” said Amy Haberbosch Wilson Executive Director of HEDC. “The initial target areas will identify sites within the County, and properties in and around the City of Clarksburg for reuse. HEDC will also work with owners of both public and private properties to conduct assessments and plan how these properties can be reused or redeveloped in the future.  The database of sites will also be used to market sites to potential developers.”  Once a site has been selected for the program, EPA Brownfields grant funds for Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments can be accessed.  Grant funds can also be used for lead-based paint and asbestos material surveys, mold studies, national historic preservation act applicability, and certain types of planning activities.

 

Stantec, an environmental and civil engineering firm, will manage the implementation of the Brownfields grant program.

 

Editor's Note: Pictured is Amy Haberbosch Wilson.