Background

Environmental impacts from historic agricultural, commercial and industrial activities have resulted in vacant and underutilized brownfield properties throughout West-central Illinois. Our goal is to identify, prioritize, and complete environmental assessment and/or remedial/reuse planning activities on known or potential brownfield sites throughout the area of Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren Counties.

Using $500,000 of Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment (CWA) Grants awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in July 2022, our coalition will support the revitalization and reuse of priority brownfield sites for the benefit of the community. The grants will fund Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) at publicly and privately-owned properties over a three-year period (through September 30th, 2026).

The Coalition is seeking candidate sites throughout the region to participate in this this exciting program!

See the F.A.Q. section below, then check out the resources and forms section to nominate a possible site.

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What are the program requirements and timeline?

• Participation is voluntary and no grant match is required. Sites that are nominated for grant funds will be prioritized based on factors such as redevelopment potential. Prioritized sites must meet certain eligibility requirements (described above).
• Prairie Hills RC&D will submit an eligibility request to EPA requesting use of grant funding on the owner’s behalf. If approved, the property owner will work with the environmental consultant (Stantec) to coordinate the environmental site assessment (ESA) and/or related activities. The owner will receive a report with findings and recommendations.
• The program and funding is committed through September 30th, 2021.

How do I nominate/identify sites for use of grant funding?

• Is there a site in your neighborhood or one that you own that you think would benefit from the EPA funding assistance? Property owners and community members are encouraged to nominate sites for use of grant funds by submitting a Site Nomination Application (provided in the Resources and Forms section) to Prairie Hills RC&D.