Dec. 11 - DEED Receives Brownfields Recognition Award from EPA

ST. PAUL - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has been honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for a program that encourages redevelopment of contaminated sites.

DEED received a Brownfields Recognition Award from EPA Region 5, which covers Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, during a national conference in New Orleans on Nov. 17.

DEED was recognized for its strong commitment to the Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grant Program and for its outstanding leadership. The program provides funding for investigating and cleaning up contaminated sites for private or public redevelopment.

"We are proud to be a recipient of this award," said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. "The Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grant Program contributes to the economic growth and vitality of Minnesota. It helps to create Minnesota communities that are environmentally and economically healthy."

DEED initiated the Contamination Cleanup and Investigation Grant Program in 1995. Since then, more than $112 million in grants have been awarded to about 200 projects, which attracted another $3 billion in private investment. Under the program, 11,000 housing units have been built (with one-fourth classified as affordable housing), 2,600 acres have been investigated and cleaned up, and $69 million in new tax revenues were generated for communities.

Upon request, the information in this news release is available in an alternative format such as Braille, large print, audiotape, or computer disk.