Congresswoman Miller Announces Three EPA Brownfield Grants to Clean Up Hazardous Substances

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Miller (WV-3) announced today three Brownfield Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assess, clean up, and redevelop underutilized properties while protecting public health and the environment. A brownfield site is a property which may contain a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

The first is an assessment grant of $200,000 to the Wayne County Economic Development Authority Inc. The funds will be used to target sites along the 152 Corridor and conduct 12 to 15 Phase I and three Phase II environmental site assessments as well as be used to inventory and prioritize brownfield sites, develop two cleanup and reuse plans, and support community outreach activities.

The second is a $414,000 cleanup grant to Ronceverte Development Corporation in Ronceverte, West Virginia. The funds will be used to clean up the former Lewisburg Wholesale Building.

Lastly, a $500,000 cleanup grant has been awarded to the Coalfield Development Corporation in Huntington, West Virginia. The funds will be used to clean up the former Black Diamond Facility. Additionally, the funds will be used to create local and community awareness.

Congresswoman Miller said, "I am thrilled to see the EPA investing in the conservation of Southern West Virginia. Our natural resources are our most valuable export and it is imperative that we protect our environment and keep our communities safe."

"EPA's Brownfields grants provide significant benefits to communities across the country where environmental cleanup and economic redevelopment are most needed," said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. "According to EPA data, communities that have received Brownfields grants are able to leverage 8.5 jobs per $100,000 of EPA Brownfield grant funding."

These grants are a part of 151 awards totaling $64,623,553 and benefiting 149 communities nationwide.