Federal Cooperative Agreement Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 awarded Marquette County, Michigan a $400,000 Cooperative Agreement under the Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Cooperative Agreements program (CFDA 66.818), effective July 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029. This award funds eligible assessment-related activities authorized under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Section 104(k)(2) to address brownfield properties—real property whose expansion, development, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

Under this agreement, Marquette County will conduct environmental site assessment and remediation planning activities including inventory and characterization of contaminated properties, Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments (11 Phase I and 8 Phase II assessments planned), cleanup planning and alternatives analysis (7 site-specific cleanup plans/analyses), and community engagement activities including public meetings. The county will competitively procure qualified environmental professionals to conduct technical site activities and report progress quarterly through the EPA's Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System. This funding supports 16 quarterly progress reports and delivers benefits to residents, business owners, and stakeholders throughout Marquette County.