Brownfields are real property, the expansion, development or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a $1,000,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Cooperative Agreements program (CFDA 66.818) to the Region 1 Planning Council (R1PC) in Illinois. The funding will support R1PC in conducting brownfield-related activities, including environmental site assessments, cleanup planning, and community involvement for properties in Winnebago and Boone Counties. Specifically, the agreement requires R1PC to inventory, characterize, and assess brownfield sites, develop site-specific cleanup plans, and hold community meetings to facilitate brownfield revitalization. R1PC will also submit quarterly progress reports and complete the EPA's Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) documentation. The project period is from October 1, 2023 to September 30, 2027.

This agreement will provide funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) for the region 1 planning council to conduct eligible assessment-related activities as authorized by cerlca 104(k)(2) in winnebago and boone counties in illinois. Activities:specifically, this agreement will provide funding to the recipient to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct cleanup planning and community involvement related activities. Additionally, the recipient will competitively procure (as needed) and direct a qualified environmental professional to conduct environmental site activities. Also, the recipient will report on interim progress and final accomplishments by completing and submitting relevant portions of the property profile form using EPA's assessment, cleanup and redevelopment exchange system (acres). Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes: further, the recipient anticipates conducting phase i and phase II environmental site assessments, holding community meetings, developing site-specific cleanup plans/analysis of brownfield cleanup alternatives, developing planning documents to initiate brownfields revitalization, and submitting quarterly reports. Work conducted under this agreement will benefit the residents, business owners, and stakeholders in and near winnebago and boone counties in illinois.