SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
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Recommend City Council support of Environmental Protection Agency FY21 Brownfield Assessment Grant Application.
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SUMMARY:
On August 17, 2020, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released Request for Applications (RFA) Number EPA-OLEM-OBLR-20-06 and its FY21 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants.
The city is seeking a Community-wide Assessment Grant of up to $300,000 to address sites contaminated by hazardous substances and/or petroleum. If awarded, funds may be used for direct costs associated with the inventory, site prioritization, community involvement, site reuse planning, assessment, and cleanup planning for brownfield sites, including direct costs associated with programmatic management of the grant such as required performance reporting and environmental oversight. There is no matching fund requirement and staff does not anticipate any general fund expenditures.
The Application must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on October 28, 2020. The announcement of grant awards is expected in Spring/Summer 2021.
City of Clearwater Brownfield Advisory Board
On Tuesday, October 13, the city’s Brownfield Advisory Board will convene to discuss the proposed grant application submittal. Staff will request the Advisory Board recommend Council support for the application. Following the meeting, staff will submit a memo to Council prior to its October 14 City Council meeting and include any additional information the Advisory Board wishes Council to consider.
About the EPA Brownfield Program
A critical component of the EPA’s Brownfields Program is to ensure that residents living in communities historically affected by economic disinvestment, health disparities, and environmental contamination have an opportunity to reap the benefits from brownfields redevelopment. The Program has a rich history rooted in environmental justice and is committed to helping communities revitalize brownfield properties, mitigate potential health risks, and restore economic vitality.
City staff will recommend City Council approval of this item at the City Council Meeting scheduled for October 14, 2020.
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