This project provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58) for montclair state university brownfields job training to conduct eligible technical…

The Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 awarded a Cooperative Agreement to Montclair State University on March 1, 2026, for $500,000 under the Brownfields Job Training Cooperative Agreements program (CFDA 66.815), funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Montclair State will recruit, train, and place unemployed and underemployed residents of Essex and Passaic Counties, New Jersey, in environmental careers. The university will deliver mandatory training in OSHA courses, 40-hour HAZWOPER, 10-hour general industry, 30-hour construction, asbestos, and lead abatement. The curriculum includes courses in environmental health and safety, GIS for environmental technology, blueprint reading, brownfield remediation and green infrastructure, and ASTM Phase I/II environmental site assessments. Participants will receive training in sustainable remediation technologies, emergency planning, and chemical safety. Montclair State will also offer professional development classes covering interview preparation, resume building, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. The university will track progress and report interim and final accomplishments through EPA's Assessment, Cleanup and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES) using the Property Profile Form.

Performance period runs from March 1, 2026, through February 28, 2030. All work is performed in New Jersey. The source indicates no sub-recipients are included in this assistance.

This project provides funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) (PL 117-58) for montclair state university brownfields job training 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 the neighboring communities in essex and passaic counties in environmental careers with skills needed to safely conduct remediation work at solid and hazardous waste-contaminated sites, as well as appropriate training in sustainable remediation technologies, emergency planning and chemical safety. In addition to the mandatory training, their curriculum is designed based on their experience and a nuanced understanding of NJ specific laws and regulations which significantly impact employment. Furthermore, they will be offering professional development classes to further enhance participants' soft skills, including interview preparation, resume building, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution 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 courses, 40-hour hazwoper, 10-hour general industry, 30-hour construction, asbestos, and lead abatement. Courses in environmental health and safety, GIS for environmental technology, blueprint reading, brownfield remediation and green infrastructure, and astm phase i/II environmental site assessments. 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). This project will provide training to the neighboring communities in essex and passaic counties. Subrecipient:no subawards are included in this assistance agreement.outcomes:this project will provide training to the neighboring communities in essex and passaic counties. The anticipated deliverables are: 100 of individuals recruited, trained, certified, and placed in environmental careers in communities impacted by solid and hazardous waste sites and facilities. 20 of classroom style trainings, practical trainings, and curricula modules. 9 of appropriate certifications in environmental sampling and site cleanup methods. 100 of 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.