The Brownfields and Land Revitalization Technology Support Center (BTSC, formerly the Brownfields Technology Support Center) is a cooperative effort to provide technical support to federal, state, local, and tribal officials for questions related to the use of innovative technologies and strategies for site assessment and cleanup.

U.S. EPA created the BTSC in 1998 to help decision-makers:

• Evaluate strategies to streamline the site investigation and cleanup process
• Identify and review information about complex technology options
• Evaluate contractor capabilities and recommendations
• Explain complex technologies to communities

Partners in the BTSC include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response (OSWER) and Office of Research and Development (ORD); the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; and Argonne National Laboratory. As a Center partner, U.S. EPA’s Brownfields Program helps to identify support needed by U.S. EPA’s Brownfields Program participants.

---

We are working across the United States to support efforts that reach beyond individual neighborhoods and cities to connect residents with opportunities in their broader metropolitan economies. We support organizations that pursue integrated approaches to housing, land use and environmental planning, public transportation and community infrastructure, and aligned workforce opportunities.

Our work promotes smarter public policy and planning, and links regional efforts to build economic growth and competitiveness over the long term with emerging national efforts to coordinate funding streams among cabinet agencies. We believe this approach advances a new vision of smart, regional development that integrates key elements of metropolitan life to build strong and sustainable communities.

Each year the Ford Foundation receives about 44,000 proposals and makes some 2,000 grants. Requests range from a few thousand to millions of dollars and are accepted in categories such as project planning and support; general support; and endowments.

---

Georgia-Pacific believes that strong communities are good for business. Our core philosophy is anchored in a belief that for a business to survive and prosper, it must develop and use its capabilities to create sustainable value for both its customers and society. The purpose of the Georgia-Pacific Foundation is to help create and fund those programs and initiatives that add value to, and measurably improve, the quality of life within the communities where Georgia-Pacific employees live and work.

We believe that self-reliance and economic fortitude are indispensable components of vibrant communities. The Foundation primarily invests our resources in four key areas that are essential to creating and sustaining strong communities: Education, Environment, Community Enrichment, and Entrepreneurship.

 For 2010 funding, the GP Foundation will accept proposals for grants and in-kind donations from Jan 1, 2010 through Oct 31, 2010.

---

Green Communities is the first national green building program developed for affordable housing. We focus on the use of environmentally sustainable materials, reduction of negative environmental impacts and increased energy efficiency. And we emphasize designs and materials that safeguard the health of residents and locations that provide easy access to services and public transportation.

Green Communities is designed to help developers, investors, builders and residents make the transition to a greener future for affordable housing. Created in consultation with some of the nation’s leading environmental, public health and green building experts, we offer grants, loans, tax-credit equity, training and technical assistance to give developers and builders the resources they need to bring green projects to life.

Enterprise Green Communities Criteria provide proven, cost-effective standards for creating healthy and energy-efficient homes.

---

The Kresge Foundation is a $3.1 billion private, national foundation that seeks to influence the quality of life for future generations through its support of nonprofit organizations in six fields of interest: health, the environment, community development, arts and culture, education and human services.

Our grantmaking decisions are guided by our values criteria. The values aim to create access and advance opportunity for marginalized populations, promote community impact in ways most needed by residents, cultivate innovation and risk taking, support interdisciplinary solutions, reach underserved locales, foster environmental sustainability, and encourage nonprofit boards and their staffs to reflect the racial, ethnic and gender diversity of the people they serve.

As the issues facing communities and individuals have grown increasingly more complex and nuanced, so too have Kresge’s grantmaking methods. In 2008, we began exploring the use of an expanded array of funding methods, and now award, along with facilities capital, growth capital, operating support, and program support. In addition, we make program-related investments, or loans, to nonprofit organizations and award planning grants, or seed money, for business planning, market analysis and other aspects of launching or spinning off a new nonprofit.

---

Abandoned contaminated land has proven particularly resistant to the federal and state cleanup statutes and programs. In the early 1990s, the Institute was one of the first organizations to recognize this and focus analytical research on the issue of brownfields redevelopment. In the intervening two decades, the Institute has worked closely with federal and state regulatory agencies to identify impediments to reusing these sites, compile best practices from cleanup efforts that have been successful, and coordinate interested public and private sector organizations in efforts to find innovative financial mechanisms to expedite site redevelopment.

The Institute has been particularly active in documenting best practices in the area of federal, state, and local brownfields incentives. Northeast and Midwest member states generally have a strong interest in brownfields incentives because of the prevalence of abandoned manufacturing plants and the need to re-position those vacated sites to accommodate productive new uses.

The Institute also provides an advisory role to states and localities that are actively reviewing their brownfields incentives.

 Northeast-Midwest Institute

Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund (CORF)

The CORF program provides competitive grants to address environmental obstacles at former commercial and industrial properties, removes blighting influences to create clean sites for development, promotes revitalization of previously developed property already served with basic infrastructure and promotes environmental stewardship through sustainable reinvestment projects,

All government entities are eligible. Applicants can apply under three tracks:

• Known end user – up to $3 million for acquisition, demolition, cleanup and infrastructure.
• Redevelopment ready – up to $2 million for demolition and cleanup.
• Sustainable reinvestment pilot track – projects incorporating sustainable infrastructure, urban waterfronts or cleanfields and brightfields (wind and solar) can receive up to $1.5 million for demolition, cleanup, and infrastructure.

Applicants must provide a 25% match of total project costs. Environmental assessment activities must be complete, remedy planned, and costs known at time of application. Application cycles are opened twice a year every January and July. Applications due in public libraries in January will receive awards in May. Applications due in public libraries in July will receive awards in November.
Contact: Katie Courtright, 614-995-2292 (Katie.courtright@redevelopment.ohio.gov)

Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund

The BRLF program provides low-interest loans and a limited amount of grants for environmental cleanup, removes environmental obstacles for communities, creates clean sites for development and leverages funds from the U.S. EPA for Ohio communities.

Eligible applicants are local governments, private investors and non-profit entities. Property must exceed applicable standards for hazardous substance and/or petroleum product contamination. Borrowers must own the property and have the ability to repay.

Applicants are eligible for loans of up to $1 million for hazardous substances and up to $300,000 for petroleum cleanup. Loans are made at below market interest rates and have no penalty for early payoff. A portion of the loan may also be forgivable for local governments and non-profit entities. Applications are accepted on an open cycle.

Contact: Erin Hazelton, 614-995-2292 (erin.hazelton@development.ohio.gov) 

Targeted Brownfield Assessment (TBA)

Ohio EPA is able to provide targeted brownfield assessment (TBA) work at brownfield properties at no cost to communities through a grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), or a state funded TBA.

Assessment work:

• Phase I investigations
• Phase II sampling, including soil, ground water, surface water, sediments and ecological assessment.

Eligible applicants are local governments with access to the property.

Grant-Funded Technical Assistance

The program is similar to the TBA except it’s a document review (Phase II, sampling plan, risk assessment, etc) that is billed to the grant. Eligible applicants are local

Grant-Funded Technical Assistance

Contact: Amy Yersavich 614-644-2285 (amy.yersavich@epa.state.oh.us) 

Water Pollution Control Loan Fund

The Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF) provides financial and technical assistance for a wide variety of projects to protect or improve the quality of Ohio's rivers, streams, lakes, and other water resources. Planning, design, and construction assistance is available for both public and private applicants.

WPCLF Assistance is available for qualifying activities to reduce or avoid nonpoint source water pollution including:

• agriculture/silviculture improvements and best management practices
• wellhead protection
• landfill closure
• stream corridor restoration / protection
• hazardous waste cleanup (brownfields) 

WPCLF loans for nonpoint source activities are available to both public entities (Villages, Cities, Counties, and Sewer Districts) and private entities (e.g, non-profit organizations, private companies, individuals, etc.). If you have never received a WPCLF loan, please contact us

Nonpoint source loans typically follow the following basic steps. Assistance from the WPCLF – both in the terms of funding and technical assistance – is available for each of these steps. to schedule an introductory meeting.

Project planning defines the current situation, selects the best solution, identifies specific steps to implement the solution, and explains the project to the local public. The future success of a project depends on the thoroughness of the work done during this step. Planning for a nonpoint source project can take as little as one month for very simple projects, or up to one year or more for very complicated projects. Sometimes, other Ohio EPA divisions, such as the Division of Solid and Infectious Waste Management, the Division of Drinking and Ground Waters, or the Division of Emergency and Remedial Response, may be dictating the requirements for project planning. WPCLF loans can be used to finance planning activities.

Once a solution is identified through project planning, you may need to develop the detail plans and specifications for the work. Depending on the solution to be implemented, detailed design may not be necessary. If needed, WPCLF loans can be used to finance design activities.

Once bids for the cost to implement the work are obtained, a WPCLF construction loan can be awarded based on the actual bid costs for the work. DEFA will be there to help monitor the progress of implementation and review changes that come up.

If you want planning, design or construction funding, the first activity is to submit a project nomination. Submitting a nomination is not a formal application or a commitment on your part. A nomination helps Ohio EPA ensure that funds will be available for your project when you need them, if you decide to proceed.

The Surdna Foundation seeks to foster just and sustainable communities in the United States—communities guided by principles of social justice and distinguished by healthy environments, strong local economies, and thriving cultures. The Surdna Foundation makes grants to nonprofit organizations in the priority areas of Sustainable Environments, Strong Local Economies, and Thriving Cultures.

There are no formal deadlines to apply for funding. The Surdna Foundation accepts applications on an ongoing basis. However, grants are approved three times per year: in February, May and September. We need your request three to four months in advance of staff review.

The Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) program provides training and technical assistance to cities and other groups who are interested in redeveloping brownfields. The TAB program brings university educational and technical resources to communities affected by hazardous substance issues at brownfield sites. The primary goal is to empower communities with an independent understanding of the underlying technical issues related to hazardous substances so they may contribute substantively to the decision-making process when sites are cleaned up and re-used. For brownfield sites, this is usually accomplished by working with the city's brownfields team to provide technical assistance and research services to the city and to assist with community outreach efforts. TAB representatives provide information through a combination of special research, written documents, public presentations, and workshops, as required.

Specific types of support provided by TAB include:

• Workshops on the brownfields redevelopment process
• Review of bid solicitations and responses
• Review technical reports related to environmental assessment and cleanup work performed by contractors
• Advice/assistance with engaging and involving key stakeholders in the planning and redevelopment process, including community visioning workshops

At brownfields sites, our teams work closely with advisory and steering committees made up of representatives of all stakeholders from the community. Primary points of contact are usually leaders of the advisory committees. These are most commonly city, county, or redevelopment agency officials designated as brownfields coordinators for individual projects, or sometimes neighborhood group leaders. Other important members of steering committees include site owners, developers, contractors, state and federal environmental regulators, and citizens at large.

Dr. Sabine Martin, P.G. , TAB Coordinator
Telephone: 785.532.6474
E-mail: smartin1@k-state.edu

Since its inception in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has been guided by the belief that a successful company has a responsibility to the greater community. The Tiffany & Co. Foundation was established in 2000 to focus the company's philanthropic endeavors by providing grants to nonprofit organizations working in two main program areas: the environment and the arts.

The Foundation shows a special appreciation for, and commitment to, advancing the arts by supporting the critically important work of educational, artistic and cultural institutions dedicated to excellence in decorative arts design through the creation of gallery spaces and the support of key decorative arts exhibitions. The mission of its environmental program is to support organizations dedicated to the conservation of natural resources in the areas of responsible mining, coral conservation and land protection. Specifically, the Foundation promotes responsible mining through remediation, community development and standards- setting efforts; healthy marine ecosystems through key research and targeted educational outreach; the enhancement of urban environments through beautification and infrastructure improvements; and the preservation of culturally significant landmarks.

To qualify for a grant, a prospective grantee must be a U.S.-based, tax-exempt organization with 501(c)(3) status. A prospective grantee must also be engaged in work that fits within the Foundation's program guidelines. The Tiffany & Co. Foundation is pleased to announce a new online application system. Please note that the Foundation does not accept grant applications that are submitted on paper or meeting requests. Grants are awarded by the Tiffany & Co. Foundation board of directors,
who meet twice annually.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers environmental programs fall under the umbrella of the Environmental Community of Practice, which provides the public with a central access to news and information about the environment. The Corps supports or manages numerous environmental initiatives including Ecosystem Restoration, Formerly Used Defense Sites, Environmental Stewardship, support to EPA Superfund and Brownfields programs, Abandoned Mine Lands, Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program, Base Realignment and Closure 2005, and Regulatory. The Corps' environmental programs support the warfighter and military installations worldwide as well as the Corps' public recreation facilities throughout the country.

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. Beginning in 1974, the CDBG program is one of the longest continuously run programs at HUD. The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to 1209 general units of local government and States.

Administration

Since States are in the best position to know, and to respond to, the needs of local governments, Congress amended the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (HCD Act) in 1981 to give each State the opportunity to administer CDBG funds for non-entitlement areas. Non-entitlement areas include those units of general local government which do not receive CDBG funds directly from HUD as part of the entitlement program (Entitlement Cities and Urban Counties). Non-entitlement areas are cities with populations of less than 50,000 (except cities that are designated principal cities of Metropolitan Statistical Areas), and counties with populations of less than 200,000.

The State CDBG program has replaced the Small Cities program in States that have elected to participate. Currently, 49 States and Puerto Rico participate in the program. HUD continues to administer the program for the non-entitled counties in the State of Hawaii because the State has permanently elected not to participate in the State CDBG Program.

Program Objectives

The primary statutory objective of the CDBG program is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low- and moderate-income. The State must ensure that at least 70 percent of its CDBG grant funds are used for activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons over a one-, two-, or three-year time period selected by the State This general objective is achieved by granting "maximum feasible priority" to activities which benefit low- and moderate-income families or aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight. Under unique circumstances, States may also use their funds to meet urgent community development needs. A need is considered urgent if it poses a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community and has arisen in the past 18 months.

Roles and Responsibilities of HUD, States & Localities

States participating in the CDBG Program award grants only to units of general local government that carry out development activities. Annually each State develops funding priorities and criteria for selecting projects. HUD's role under the State CDBG program is to ensure State compliance with Federal laws, regulations and policies.

Participating States have three major responsibilities:

• formulating community development objectives;
• deciding how to distribute funds among communities in non-entitlement areas; and
• ensuring that recipient communities comply with applicable State and Federal laws and requirements.

Local governments have the responsibility to consider local needs, prepare grant applications for submission to the State, and carry out the funded community development activities. Local governments must comply with Federal and State requirements.

Eligible Activities

Communities receiving CDBG funds from the State may use the funds for many kinds of community development activities including, but not limited to:

• acquisition of property for public purposes;
• construction or reconstruction of streets, water and sewer facilities, neighborhood centers, recreation facilities, and other public works;
• demolition;
• rehabilitation of public and private buildings;
• public services;
• planning activities;
• assistance to nonprofit entities for community development activities; and
• assistance to private, for profit entities to carry out economic development activities (including assistance to micro-enterprises).

The State may use $100,000 plus up to 50% the costs it incurs for program administration, up to a maximum of 3 percent of its CDBG allocation. The State may expend up to 3% of its CDBG allocation on technical assistance activities. However, the total the State spends on both administrative and technical assistance expenses may not exceed 3% of the State's allocation.

Distribution of Funds

HUD distributes funds to each State based on a statutory formula which takes into account population, poverty, incidence of overcrowded housing, and age of housing. Neither HUD nor States distribute funds directly to citizens or private organizations; all funds (other than administrations and the technical assistance set-aside) are distributed by States to units of general local government.

Certifications

The State must certify that:

• it is following a detailed citizen participation plan and that each funded unit of general local government is following a detailed citizen participation plan;
• it has consulted with affected units of general local government in the non-entitled area in determining the method of distribution of funding, it engages or will engage in planning for community development activities, it will provide assistance to units of general local government, it will not refuse to distribute funds to any unit of general local government based on the particular eligible activity chosen by the unit of general local government, except that a State is not prevented from establishing priorities based on the activities selected;
• it has a consolidated plan that identifies community development and housing needs and short-term and long-term community development objectives;
• it will conduct its program in accordance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act of 1988 and will affirmatively further fair housing;
• it will set forth a method of distribution that ensures that each of the funded activities will meet one or more of the three broad national objectives described above in Program Objectives and at least 70% of the amount expended for activities over a period of one, two, or three consecutive program years will benefit low– and moderate-income families;
• it will require units of general local government to certify that they are adapting and enforcing laws to prohibit the use of excessive force against nonviolent civil rights demonstrations, and they will enforce laws against barring entrance and exit from facilities that are the targets of nonviolent civil rights demonstrations in their jurisdiction;
• it will comply with Title I of the HCD Act and all other applicable laws.

For More Information

If you are an interested citizen, contact

Franklin County Community Development
150 South Front Street
FSL Suite 10
Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-525-5578
Fax 614-525-7155

In addition, the local government may have received or may have applied for a grant from the State. If you are a local official, you should contact

Housing and Community Partnerships
77 South High Street
P.O. Box 1001
Columbus, Ohio 43216-1001
Telephone Number: (614) 466-2285
Fax Number: (614) 752-4575

If your local government or State officials cannot answer your questions, contact

Field Office: Columbus Field Office
Address: 200 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43215-2463
Phone: (614) 469-5737 ext. 8240
FAX: (614) 469-2237
E-mail: Jorgelle.Lawson@hud.gov

Note that the State administers the program and determines which local governments receive funding.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grants

Nature of Program

NSP is a component of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The CDBG regulatory structure is the platform used to implement NSP and the HOME program provides a safe harbor for NSP affordability requirements.

NSP grantees develop their own programs and funding priorities. However, NSP grantees must use at least 25 percent of the funds appropriated for the purchase and redevelopment of abandoned or foreclosed homes or residential properties that will be used to house individuals or families whose incomes do not exceed 50 percent of the area median income. In addition, all activities funded by NSP must benefit low- and moderate-income persons whose income does not exceed 120 percent of area median income. Activities may not qualify under NSP using the "prevent or eliminate slums and blight" or "address urgent community development needs" objectives.

Eligible Uses

NSP funds may be used for activities which include, but are not limited to:

• Establish financing mechanisms for purchase and redevelopment of foreclosed homes and residential properties;
• Purchase and rehabilitate homes and residential properties abandoned or foreclosed;
• Establish land banks for foreclosed homes;
• Demolish blighted structures;
• Redevelop demolished or vacant properties.

As a result of the enactment of House Resolution 3221, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded more than $3.9 billion of Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds to states and communities across the country to address the nation's abandoned and foreclosed homes crisis. In total, Ohio received an allocation of $258,089,179, with more than $116.8 million awarded to the state and the remaining funds awarded directly to Ohio cities and counties. The Ohio Department of Development's (ODOD's) Community Development Division and its Office of Housing and Community Partnerships (OHCP) will administer the state's allocation.

Contact: Michael A. Hiler, Office Chief
Housing and Community Partnerships
77 South High, PO box 1001
Columbus, OH 43216
614-644-2285
Michael.Hiler@development.ohio.gov

Franklin County Community Development
150 South Front Street FSL Suite 10 Columbus, Ohio 43215
614-525-5578
Fax 614-525-7155

For 45 years, the U.S. Economic Development Administration has partnered with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and regional innovation. The agency’s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.

Just as economic development practitioners must adapt to changes in the economic environment, so must the federal government’s only agency solely devoted to economic development. The challenges posed by a severe global recession and immense economic, social and environmental changes require the agency to improve the way it does business to continue to meet the needs of American communities.

Specifically, EDA is improving its grant approval process so that it is more competitive, transparent and efficient.

EDA’s new grant process is designed to build on its record of excellent customer service, flexibility and strong performance measure. It includes:

Continuous technical assistance and customer service - Applicants may submit an application at any time during the quarter and receive formal feedback on its technical and competitive merits and/or deficiencies within 15 business days

Quarterly rounds of funding - EDA will set quarterly deadlines for submission of applications in order to be considered for an award in that quarterly funding cycle.

Enhanced responsiveness - Applicants who submit a complete application package prior to the quarterly deadline will be notified of EDA’s selection decisions within 20 business days

Competitive selection framework - All projects will be assessed against EDA’s strategic priorities and evaluated by an investment review committee where EDA professionals will analyze and recommend proposals to the EDA Regional Director for that quarter’s available funding.

Cleanup Grants

Cleanup grants provide funding for a grant recipient to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites. An eligible entity may apply for up to $200,000 per site. Due to budget limitations, no entity should apply for funding cleanup activities at more than five sites. These funds may be used to address sites contaminated by petroleum and hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum). Cleanup grants require a 20 percent cost share, which may be in the form of a contribution of money, labor, material, or services, and must be for eligible and allowable costs (the match must equal 20 percent of the amount of funding provided by EPA and cannot include administrative costs). A cleanup grant applicant may request a waiver of the 20 percent cost share requirement based on hardship. An applicant must own the site for which it is requesting funding at time of application or demonstrate the ability to acquire title. The performance period for these grants is two years.

Assessment Grants

Assessment grants provide funding for a grant recipient to inventory, characterize, assess, and conduct planning and community involvement related to brownfields sites. An eligible entity may apply for up to $200,000 to assess a site contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum) and up to $200,000 to address a site contaminated by petroleum. Applicants may seek a waiver of the $200,00 limit and request up to $350,000 for a site contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants and up to $350,000 to assess a site contaminated by petroleum. Such waivers must be based on the anticipated level of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum) at a single site. A coalition of three or more eligible applicants can submit one grant proposal under the name of one of the coalition members for up to $ 1,000,000. The performance period for these grants is three years.

Revolving Loan Fund Grants

Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) grants provide funding for a grant recipient to capitalize a revolving loan fund and to provide subgrants to carry out cleanup activities at brownfield sites. Through these grants, EPA seeks to strengthen the marketplace and encourage stakeholders to leverage the resources needed to clean up and redevelop brownfields. When loans are repaid, the loan amount is returned into the fund and re-lent to other borrowers, providing an ongoing source of capital within a community.

Requests for grant funding will be accepted from December 1, 2010 through January 31, 2011.

U.S. EPA Targeted Brownfields Assessments

EPA’s Targeted Brownfields Assessment (TBA) program is designed to help minimize the uncertainties of contamination often associated with brownfields – especially for those entities without EPA Brownfields Assessment grants. The TBA program is not a grant program, but a service provided through an EPA contract in which EPA directs a contractor to conduct environmental assessment activities to address the requestor’s needs. Unlike grants, EPA does not provide funding directly to the entity requesting the services.
http://epa.gov/brownfields/applicat.htm