The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation's (LVEDC) commitment to the remediation of brownfield sites received an unprecedented boost Monday
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as the United States Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $1,000,000 grant for the assessment, cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield properties in the Lehigh Valley.
LVEDC implements the remediation of the sites through the Lehigh Valley Land Recycling Initiative (LVLRI). LVLRI is funded primarily by Lehigh and Northampton counties and is an initiative of LVEDC.
Brownfields are old-industrial properties that have a real or perceived environmental problem. The grant will be used initially to pay for consulting work to investigate various Lehigh Valley properties, which looks at the history of the property and previous uses, during what is called Phase One. During Phase Two, the assessment of the property involves soil and ground water testing. The grant can also be utilized for cleanup planning.
Put in perspective, the award was stunning.
“We have projected about 20 Phase One reports and 15 Phase Two reports and cleanup planning for five projects,” Edinger said. “This is enough to do meaningful environmental assessments on 20 to 30 sites. When it comes to redevelopment in the Valley this is a game changer.”
LVEDC has been awarded EPA assessment grants on four previous occasions in the amount of $200,000 each. Nationally it is one of only six agencies to receive EPA Coalition Grants in the amount of $1,000,000.
“In October 2009 we submitted an application with the EPA for a new grant category called a Coalition Grant,” said Edinger. “Being selected is a testament to the counties commitment to this effort and the long-term success LVLRI has had.”
Currently the inventory of brownfield sites numbers about 100 properties. Factors used to evaluate projects include community support and developer interest.
“Possible sites to receive assessment support include Neuweiler Brewery on the waterfront in Allentown or the Black Diamond Building in Easton or the former municipal incinerator site in Bangor and the Thomas Iron Works in Hellertown,” Edinger said.
Edinger wanted to recognize Lehigh and Northampton counties for their continued support of LVLRI.
“Without the partnerships of those two departments of Community and Economic Development and the current administrations we wouldn’t have the staff to apply for the grant,” Edinger said. “We also have support from the three cities (Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton) and that was huge. I also want to thank the LVLRI Advisory Committee and especially the Chairperson Bill Ahlert and Vice Chairperson Scott Unger.”
For more information, please contact Stephen Althouse at 610.266.3817 or salthouse@lehighvalley.org.
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) is a one-stop, full-service business and economic development agency. Created to promote and foster economic prosperity in the Lehigh Valley, LVEDC assists businesses by providing them with regional, economic and demographic information, finance and business incentives, site and facility availability, business networking, and workforce services. By coordinating with state, county, and municipal governments, chambers of commerce, industry organizations, educational institutions and utilities, the award-winning LVEDC streamlines the relocation and expansion process for businesses. Visit LVEDC online at www.lehighvalley.org
