Brownfields

Brownfields are abandoned or underused properties where development may be problematic due to the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination. For local governments, brownfields are also real estate resources that can be investigated, cleaned up and redeveloped. Brownfield redevelopment can allow communities to use local land again - producing jobs, increasing the tax base, preserving neighborhoods, and reducing urban sprawl.

 

Wisconsin Brownfields Coalition

The Wisconsin Brownfields Coalition (WBC) was created in 2003 to assist local communities with brownfields cleanup by obtaining federal funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The WBC members include the WDNR as well as all nine of Wisconsin's Regional Planning Commissions. Funding opportunities include:

  • Coalition Assessment Grants that are awarded to the WBC are managed by the DNR through the Wisconsin Plant Recovery Initiative Assessment Monies (WAM) program. The WAM program provides free Phase I, Phase II and limited site investigations (up to $35,000 in services) for smaller closed or closing manufacturing sites to help local government, private parties and non-profits return the site to productive land use. WAM has a simple application, requires no match or grant administration, and has a quick project turnaround. Currently there is $450,000 available for service awards. Also view this WAM promotional flyer for more information.

For more information on cleanup and redevelop of brownfields in Wisconsin, please visit the following WDNR brownfields website:  http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Brownfields/

 

EPA Brownfields Grant Writing Workshops, July and August.

Workshop Information and Registration.