*Accept grant in the amount of $500,000 from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Brownfield Assessment

The U.S. EPA makes grants available for the environmental assessment of brownfields, which are properties with known or potential contamination. BES manages the Portland Brownfield Program, which provides voluntary assistance for brownfield properties in order to protect human and environmental health, protect watersheds, promote environmental justice, increase the tax base, accommodate regional economic growth, support business in Portland, and improve community livability. Since 1998, the City of Portland has secured more than $4.5 million in brownfield grants from the U.S. EPA. This new grant will be used to provide environmental assessments on multiple brownfield properties to address potential contamination and enable reuse.

There will be $500,000 in new grant revenue, to be spent over the 4-year grant period. The grant from EPA does not require cash match. This grant will be administered by existing Portland Brownfield Program staff, utilizing existing program resources, and will require no additional financial commitments.

Brownfields negatively impact neighborhoods, and assessment provided by this grant is directed towards addressing potentially contaminated sites for Portland’s most vulnerable communities. We have two target areas this grant: (1) East Portland sites that will serve the rapidly growing population, and (2) N/NE projects that will address the housing crisis by supporting affordable housing. Relationship building is a priority for us: in 2020, program staff attended approximately 200 events, trainings, and community meetings, in order to raise awareness of brownfields, the availability of federal funds, and to encourage voluntary participation by businesses and residents. We will continue to contribute to the email lists, newsletters, and websites of community and business organizations to post updates on current and planned work; and share information at community gatherings and events. Materials are provided in multiple languages. A portion of the grant will be used to fund a community-based organization to design an outreach plan in collaboration with the Brownfield Program, and provide involvement for our target area, including culturally appropriate materials and inclusive meetings/events. Work conducted under this grant will likely involve coordination with the Housing Bureau, Joint Office of Homeless Services, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Prosper Portland, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Business Oregon, Multnomah County, Oregon Health Authority, and Metro.