Forty new Superfund Redevelopment Pilots have been selected and nearly $4 million will be divided among them to help communities return toxic waste sites to productive use.
These pilots will receive up to $100,000 each to help to help put back into commercial and recreational use the nation''s worst sites -- those listed on the National Priorities List (NPL).
"Now we are showing that by working with communities, these sites can be restored in ways that lead to productive, economically viable use," said EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner. "The Superfund Redevelopment Pilot projects are proving that economic development and environmental protection go hand-in-hand."
The $4 million in funds will be used for a variety of activities designed to develop local input on anticipated future uses, including the following: public outreach; facilitation of community services; coordination between different levels of government and community members; training of community members and local governments on reusing Superfund sites; and developing reuse assessments and reuse plans.
Many Superfund sites are already being reused as a result of economic conditions or the foresight of local communities or individuals.
To date, 190 NPL sites are being reused as retail stores, office buildings, golf courses and tree groves.
For more information, go to www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/recycle/index.htm.
by Virginia Sutcliffe