The funding is awarded as part of the EPA's Brownfields Economic Redevelopment Initiative. This program helps fund the safe clean-up of abandoned, idled or under-used industrial and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination, or brownfields.
"The clean-up and redevelopment of brownfields areas are vital to Iowa communities," Grassley said. "The funding is a step in opening additional areas of these cities for economic development or public enjoyment."
Grassley said that revitalizing under-used properties enhances a city's character, increases tax revenues, creates jobs, reduces health and environmental threats, and preserves open space.
Following are the communities that were awarded grants:
Cedar Rapids
$150,000 for supplemental assistance of its Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot
The project will target two sites from the original pilot in the South-Side neighborhood for follow-up assessments and one site for initial Phase I and Phase II assessments.
Clinton
$150,000 for supplemental assistance of its Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot
The pilot will target the 220-acre Liberty Square area for environmental assessments.
Davenport
$200,000 for a Brownfields Assessment Pilot/$50,000 for Greenspace
The Pilot targets brownfields in a 2450-acre abandoned industrial area located along the Mississippi River. Sites will be selected with the goal of increasing affordable housing in the city and revitalizing community centers.
Sioux City
$150,000 for supplemental assistance of its Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot
The Pilot will target the 215-acre stockyards area for environmental assessments.
Sioux City
$1 Million for a Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund Pilot
The Pilot will enable Sioux City to make low interest loans to facilitate the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields properties throughout Sioux City, especially the old stockyard area.
Waterloo
$1 million for a Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund Pilot
The Pilot will enable Waterloo to make low interest loans to facilitate the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields properties throughout Waterloo, with focus on the Rath Neighborhood Area.