The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the city of Springfield a grant to remediate contaminated properties downtown and support the next phase of the Renew Jordan Creek project.
What We Know: The city was awarded a $3,583,382 Brownfields Cleanup Grant. It is meant to fund environmental cleanup at 404 and 428 N. Jefferson Ave.
The former commercial and heavy industrial property have been vacant and underutilized due to containing hazardous soil, asbestos and lead-based paint.
The grant will also support Phase II of the Renew Jordan Creek project, which will transform the former industrial properties into public greenspace and restore a section of Jordan Creek that is currently buried.
What It Means: EPA Brownfields Cleanup Grants are meant to help communities clean up contaminated and blighted properties, and redevelop them for uses that support economic growth, job creation, and neighborhood revitalization.
The Renew Jordan Creek project’s goals are to improve flood resilience, enhance water quality, and create new opportunities for economic development.
What They’re Saying: Springfield city officials say cleaning up the sites will help protect local watershed and improve environmental conditions for nearby residents and businesses, as well as help attract future private investment, support new business opportunities, generate jobs, and increase local tax revenue.
The city’s director of workforce and economic vitality Amanda Ohlensehlen said in a statement that, “This funding will allow us to address long-standing environmental challenges at 404 and 428 N. Jefferson and remediate industrial contaminants that threaten our local watershed. We are grateful for the continued support and shared vision of our federal and regional EPA partners.”
(Logo courtesy of U.S. Environmental Protection Agency)