Mass. Congressional Delegation Applauds New Funding to Clean and Revitalize Brownfields

Press Release

Senators Edward J. Markey and Elizabeth Warren and Representatives Joseph P. Kennedy, William Keating, Niki Tsongas, Michael Capuano, Richard E. Neal, and John Tierney today applauded the Environmental Protections Agency's (EPA) announcement of more than $4 million in funding to clean and revitalize brownfields in Massachusetts. The FY14 Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup grants will give communities and businesses a chance to return economic stability to under-served and economically disadvantaged neighborhoods through the assessment and clean-up of abandoned industrial and commercial properties, places where environmental cleanups and new jobs are most needed.

"These EPA Brownfields Grants will go a long way towards cleaning up the decades of abuse sustained by Massachusetts land," said Senator Markey. "Cleaning up brownfield sites is a win-win for Massachusetts, helping to create jobs and spur economic activity while revitalizing underutilized lands."

"Brownfield cleanups revitalize our communities, make our environment healthier and safer for families, and open up new opportunities for economic growth," said Senator Warren. "These EPA grants will help spur important cleanup efforts across Massachusetts."

"Clean, communal public spaces are critical to our cities as they reinvent and rebuild their economies," said Rep. Kennedy. "Through the tireless work of TDC, TNC and many community leaders, Taunton has capitalized on the potential of their former industrial sites by cleaning hazardous waste in the ground and offering an environment where businesses can thrive and grow. These EPA Brownfield grants will provide Taunton with the funds necessary to revitalize two abandoned properties, while creating new jobs and ensuring that the community will be involved in the process."

"Brownfield grants are a critical component of the revitalization of our cities and towns," said Rep. Keating. "Cleaning these two contaminated sites in New Bedford will allow the city to eventually use the property for a more beneficial purpose."

"These federal funds will help communities throughout the state transform blighted tracts of land, improving neighborhoods and reducing environmental hazards," said Rep. Capuano. "I thank the EPA for its continued commitment to addressing brownfields sites in our cities and towns."

"These grants from the EPA will significantly benefit the environment and economy of western Massachusetts," said Rep. Neal. "The successful clean up of brownfields sites will create exciting redevelopment opportunities and generate tax revenue for local communities. I have been a strong supporter of this program because I have seen how successful it has been bringing new investment to our cities and towns."

"This share of federal funding will help Lowell, Fitchburg and other Massachusetts communities identify contaminated sites and plan for their eventual clean-up and reuse," said Rep. Tsongas. "This type of support has helped to turn previously blighted sites into parks, development projects, and has funded other priorities that contribute to the health of our cities."

"This important grant provides the cities of Salem and Peabody the opportunity to leverage federal dollars to create jobs and clean up contaminated sites," said Rep. Tierney. "I'm pleased the EPA has made this critical investment and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on this effort."