"Applying smart growth principals to industrial development will help in the redevelopment of brownfield areas," Grassley said. "Using smart growth principles in brownfield redevelopments can create greater benefits from the reuse of these infill sites, reduce demand for land for development on the urban fringe, and improve the air and water quality of the region."
Des Moines will develop a mathematical model that will calculate the costs, cost savings, and other benefits of implementing smart growth and environmental protection strategies. The model will specifically relate to site and building design on brownfields proposed for industrial use.
"It makes a lot of sense to clean up these Brownfields sites. Rehabilitation improves the environment and sets the stage for renewed economic activity," Grassley said. "It's important for the federal government to support the local commitment to turn these areas around."
In December 2001, Grassley helped push new brownfields legislation through the U.S. Senate. The bill authorizes $200 million per year through 2006 for grants to states, local governments, tribes, quasi-public redevelopment agencies and authorities. The grants are directed toward site assessments and clean up. President Bush signed this into law on Jan. 11, 2002.
Some estimates show that there are five million acres of abandoned industrial areas in cities nationwide. That's roughly the same amount of land occupied by the country's 60 largest cities. There are as many as 425,000 Brownfields throughout the United States.