This project provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58) for southwest economic solutions to conduct eligible technical assistance-related activities as…

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 awarded a $315,000 Cooperative Agreement to Southwest Economic Solutions under the Brownfields Job Training Cooperative Agreements program (CFDA 66.815) effective August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2028. Under the authority of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the recipient will provide workforce development and technical assistance services to recruit, train, and place 60 unemployed and underemployed Detroit residents in environmental remediation careers. Training will encompass industry-recognized certifications including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.120 40-hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER), asbestos and lead abatement training, and green remediation technologies instruction.

Southwest Economic Solutions will deliver 12 classroom-style and practical training modules, resulting in 60 individuals certified in HAZWOPER and placed into environmental careers with skills needed to safely conduct remediation work at solid and hazardous waste-contaminated sites. The project supports sustainable community revitalization in Detroit by enabling residents to access employment opportunities created through brownfields assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment activities. No subawards are included in this assistance agreement. Progress and accomplishments will be tracked and reported through the EPA's Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES).

This project provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58) for southwest economic solutions to conduct eligible technical assistance-related activities as authorized by comprehensive environmental response, compensation, and liability act (CERCLA) 104(K)(7). The recipient will recruit, train, and place unemployed and underemployed residents of detroit, michigan in environmental careers with skills needed to safely conduct remediation work at solid and hazardous waste-contaminated sites, as well as appropriate training in green remediation technologies, storm water management, emergency planning and chemical safety. Activities:this project will train graduates to earn skills and certifications necessary to enter into environmental careers. Activities to be performed during under this project are OSHA 29, hazwoper, asbestos and lead abatement. 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:this project will provide training to residents of detroit, michigan. The anticipated deliverables are: 60 individuals recruited, trained, certified, and placed in environmental careers in communities impacted by solid and hazardous waste sites and facilities. 12 classroom style trainings, practical trainings, and curricula modules. 60 individuals that receive certifications in occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1910.120 40-hour hazwoper training. Expected outcomes from this project include: -help residents of communities take advantage of jobs created by the assessment and cleanup of brownfields and the assessment, cleanup, and management of solid and hazardous waste sites and facilities while addressing sustainable community revitalization concerns. -provide training that leads to sustainable employment in the environmental field. -improve community involvement and stimulate the development of constructive partnerships. -reduce exposures to hazardous substances and other contaminants and improve the health of workers, occupants, and residents. -foster self-sufficiency and enhance the skills and availability of labor for environmental remediation in particularly impacted communities, including those that are impacted by a variety of waste facilities, blighted properties, contaminated sites, and other environmental issues. -enable residents to participate in the promotion of environmental health and occupational safety, both on the job and in their communities.