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Workshop to Explain EPA's Brownfields Program

Release Date: 5/8/1998
Contact Information: For more information contact the Office of External Affairs at (214) 665-2200.

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has scheduled a workshop to explain the Agency's Brownfields program.

     Brownfields are abandoned industrial sites that are robbing communities of the opportunity to share in our nation's economic progress. Through the Brownfields program, the Clinton Administration is creating partnerships with government, business, community leaders and citizens to return these properties to the tax rolls, create jobs and restore a sense of community pride.

     Congress has approved $86.4 million for fiscal year 1998 for EPA's Brownfields program.

     Whether or not they are contaminated with industrial toxins, Brownfields are perceived to be contaminated. These properties do not qualify as Superfund sites because they do not pose a serious public health threat.

     Because of the stigma of the perceived contamination and legal barriers to redevelopment, businesses often do not buy these properties. They remain roped off, unproductive and vacant. Developers choose to locate in "green" areas outside the city, while the urban centers continue to deteriorate.

     Transforming Brownfields into hubs of economic activity creates new jobs, new revenue, new opportunities and new hope for our nation's communities.

     This workshop is designed to help community leaders, neighborhood associations, developers, bankers, insurers, educators, non-profit organizations, environmental consultants, and local, regional and state government officials better understand the Brownfields program.

     Presenters will speak about regulations governing the program, how to develop effective community involvement in Brownfields projects, how to recognize opportunities for the program, and how to prepare a proposal.

     To register contact Dolores Herrera with the San Jose Community Awareness Council at (505) 243-4837 or Ana Sierra with EPA at 1-800-533-3508.              

WHEN:      May 13-14, 1998
WHERE:     All Indian Pueblo Cultural Center
            2401 12th Street
            Albuquerque, New Mexico
SPONSORS:  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
            New Mexico Environment Department
            New Mexico Department of Health-Healthier Communities
            Bernalillo County Environmental Health Department
            City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department
            Albuquerque San Jose Community Awareness Council, Inc.
            Southwest Center for Environmental Excellence & Opportunity
            Alliance for Transportation Research
            Albuquerque Development Services
            Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce
            Jason Associates Corporation
            Nations Bank
            Swartzman Corporation