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

This $3,000,000 Cooperative Agreement, awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Land and Emergency Management under CFDA 66.814 Brownfields Training, Research, and Technical Assistance Grants and Cooperative Agreements, will fund the National Council for Community Development, Inc. (DBA Grow America) to provide nationwide research, training, and technical assistance to existing and potential Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grant recipients. The key products and services to be delivered include: 1) establishing an RLF training academy to bolster the capacity of RLF program entities; 2) developing guides and materials to increase the diversity and quality of RLF grant applicants; 3) building the capacity of underperforming RLF grant recipients to better manage and revolve their funds through cohort training, on-demand assistance, and resource sharing; and 4) facilitating collaboration and dialogue across RLF grantees through an advisory committee, online portal, and in-person/virtual meetings. The project period runs from August 1, 2024 through September 30, 2029.

This agreement will provide funding for the national council for community development INC. (nccd) (DBA grow america) to conduct eligible training, research, and technical assistance as authorized by cercla 104(k)(7) to existing and potential brownfields revolving loan fund grant recipients nationwide. This agreement will provide funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act for nccd/grow america to conduct eligible technical assistance-related activities as authorized by cercla 104(k)(7).activities:this agreement funds national council for community development, INC. (nccd) (DBA grow america) to provide nationwide research, training, and technical assistance on issues related to EPA's brownfields revolving loan fund program. Specifically, this agreement will 1) help communities that have not previously engaged in brownfields projects to gain an understanding of requirements for managing a successful RLF program, and 2) build capacity for existing RLF grant recipients, so that they can better manage their RLF programs when the grant is open (i.e., operating under a cooperative agreement) and in post-closeout status [i.e., operating under a closeout agreement. Nccd (DBA grow america) will report on interim progress and final accomplishments by completing and submitting relevant portions of the technical assessment property profile form using EPA's assessment, cleanup and redevelopment exchange system (acres). Subrecipient:this subaward will be used to convene, market and support revolving loan fund national and regional meetings.outcomes:under this agreement the following outputs/outcomes will result from the project performed by national council for community development, INC. (DBA grow america): the establishment of an RLF training academy to bolster entities' capacity. Increase diversity and quality of RLF grant applicants by developing guides and materials to inform prospective applicants. Build capacity of underperforming RLF grant recipients to market, manage, and revolve their funds, thus increasing the volume of loans/subgrants and loan capital by establishing a cohort training program and providing on-demand technical assistance, training models, and through office hour sessions. Establish connections between high performing RLF grant recipients and those recipients in need of assistance through development of a program portal and holding both in-person and virtual meetings. Facilitate dialogue across grantees and bring in organizations to enhance the reach of the program by establishing an advisory committee, enhancing the online portal and holding national and regional in-person meetings. Provide a centralized location for templates, from proven programs, to allow grantees to launch programs efficiently by establishing a resource library and providing toolkit training. Intended beneficiaries include existing and potential brownfield revolving loan fund grant recipients across the united states, its territories and tribal nations.