WASHINGTON D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the allocation of $267 million in Brownfields Grants across the United States, with nearly $4 million specifically designated for communities in Kansas. This funding aims to transform contaminated properties into productive spaces, fostering economic growth and improving public health.
“The $267 million in Brownfield Grants will transform contaminated properties into valuable spaces for businesses and housing, creating new opportunities that strengthen local economies and directly benefit American families,” stated EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. “EPA’s Brownfields program demonstrates how environmental stewardship and economic prosperity complement each other. Under President Trump’s leadership, EPA is Powering the Great American Comeback, ensuring our nation has the cleanest air, land and water while supporting sustainable growth and fiscal responsibility.”
Several organizations in Kansas have been selected to receive this crucial EPA Brownfields funding:
- City of Beloit: Awarded $418,620, these funds will be used to clean up the 0.8-acre Kansas Industrial School Campus at 1720 N. Hersey Avenue. The site, which operated as a juvenile detention center for girls and has been vacant since 2009, is contaminated with inorganic contaminants. The grant will also support community engagement activities. Mitchell County Economic Development Director Emily Benedick expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This funding enables our community to repurpose two vacant buildings into housing, a critical need in our rural community. This grant gives us the peace of mind to know we are providing a safe environment for future housing development.”
- Flint Hills Regional Council: Receiving $1 million, this grant will capitalize a revolving loan fund (RLF). From this RLF, the Flint Hills Regional Council Inc. will provide up to three loans and up to two subgrants to support cleanup activities. The funds will also be used to establish the RLF, market the program, and support community engagement activities. RLF efforts will concentrate on Chase, Geary, Lyon, Morris, Pottawatomie, Riley, and Wabaunsee counties, with a specific focus on the cities of Herington, Junction City, and Manhattan.
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment: Selected for a $2 million community-wide grant, these funds will facilitate 116 Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments. The grant will also support the development of at least three cleanup plans and at least one annual community meeting to provide updates on the grant. The target areas for this grant include the Oak Grove neighborhood in Kansas City and the cities of Eureka and El Dorado. Priority sites include Land Bank properties in Oak Grove; a former horse racetrack, a former nursing home, sites adjacent to the existing fire department for expansion, Memorial Hall, and the former Masonic Lodge in Eureka; and the Grizzly Development in El Dorado.
- City of Topeka: Awarded $500,000, these community-wide grant funds will be used to conduct eight Phase I and three Phase II environmental site assessments. The grant will also support the inventory of brownfield sites, reuse planning, and community engagement activities. The entire City of Topeka is the target area for this grant, with priority sites including the 36-acre former White Lakes Mall and two former schools.
U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (KS) commended the EPA’s decision, stating, “I am grateful to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for awarding nearly $4 million to the Sunflower State. This funding will help us revitalize our communities, create opportunities for growth, and protect Kansans’ health. Thanks to President Donald Trump’s leadership, the EPA is restoring American greatness by ensuring we have the cleanest air, land, and water while being good stewards of American taxpayer dollars.”
