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 Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Cooperative Agreement (CFDA 66.818) to Cochise County, Arizona. The purpose of this agreement is to capitalize a revolving loan fund (RLF) that will provide low-interest loans and subgrants to clean up brownfield sites within Cochise County. The county will use the RLF to assess, plan, and oversee the remediation of multiple brownfield properties, engage with the community, and report on the program's progress and outcomes. The RLF aims to address environmental challenges, promote sustainable practices, and stimulate economic growth and job creation in the region. The award period runs from October 1, 2023 through October 31, 2027.

This agreement will provide funding under the infrastructure investment and jobs act (IIJA) for cochise county to capitalize a revolving loan fund as authorized by cercla 104(k)(3) in cochise county, arizona. This assistance agreement provides full federal funding in the amount of $1,000,000.activities:specifically, this agreement will provide funding for the recipient to capitalize a revolving loan fund from which to make loans and subgrants to clean up brownfield site(s) and conduct other necessary activities to prudently manage the RLF. Additionally, the recipient will competitively procure (as needed) and direct a qualified environmental professional to oversee the environmental site activities, will create a community involvement plan and administrative record for each site that is remediated, and will report on program income, interim progress, and final accomplishments by completing and submitting relevant portions of the property profile form and brownfields RLF form using EPA's assessment, cleanup and redevelopment exchange system (acres).subrecipient:the RLF will improve the overall health and well-being of the communities in cochise county. By supporting projects that address environmental challenges and promote preable practices, the RLF aims to create a healthier and more sustainable living environment for residents. The cochise county RLF program will provide economic benefits that can arise from sustainable projects. By providing low-interest loans, the RLF aims to stimulate economic growth and job creation within cochise county. Outcomes:further, the recipient will issue approximately 2-3 loans and 1-2 subgrants to remediate multiple brownfield site(s); anticipates holding multiple community meetings, finalizing one or more analysis of brownfield cleanup alternatives, and submitting ten or more quarterly reports. Work conducted under this agreement will benefit the residents, business owners, and stakeholders in and near cochise county, arizona.