Federal Program Guide for Brownfield Redevelopment
In an effort to support communities in transforming contaminated sites into thriving spaces, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released the 2025 Brownfields Federal Programs Guide. This document, available for download (908.76 KB), serves as a valuable resource for learning about federal programs that provide funding, tax incentives, and technical assistance for brownfields cleanup and revitalization.
The guide is structured to offer clear and concise information on eligibility requirements, availability, and uses/applications of each program. It provides detailed descriptions of the mission, connection to brownfields, and specific programs of federal agencies or organizations. Each entry also specifies the appropriate phase(s) within the brownfields redevelopment process for using each resource, such as planning, assessment, cleanup, and/or redevelopment.
One of the key resources outlined in the guide is the EPA Brownfields Grants, which include Multipurpose Grants, Assessment Grants, and Cleanup Grants. These grants help communities assess and clean up contaminated sites for redevelopment. Another important resource is the Brownfields Job Training Grants, which support job training programs that help communities develop a workforce skilled in brownfields cleanup and redevelopment, meeting local workforce and community needs.
While the guide does not explicitly mention federal tax incentives in the 2025 version, historically, the U.S. has offered tax incentives for brownfield redevelopment. For example, previous tax law has provided deductions for environmental cleanup costs related to brownfield sites.
In addition to these resources, the guide also highlights opportunities for technical and financial assistance, such as Brownfields University and Workshops, which offer educational resources and workshops on best practices in brownfields redevelopment, including strategies for community engagement, labor market assessments, and partnership building. New grantees are also provided with resources on competitive procurement, due diligence, stakeholder identification, and EPA reporting procedures.
It is essential to note that while most federal programs receive annually appropriated funds, the amount available each year can significantly vary. For updated information on program availability and resources, visitors are advised to check individual agency websites.
The EPA encourages stakeholders to consider broad approaches for brownfields cleanup and reuse, recognising that leveraging resources is often essential for these projects. The 2025 Brownfields Federal Programs Guide is a testament to the EPA's commitment to supporting communities in their efforts to revitalise brownfields sites, fostering sustainable economic growth and creating safer, healthier environments.
For those seeking more detailed information on specific federal tax incentives outlined in any 2025 guide, it would be best to consult the official EPA or U.S. Treasury Department publications. The Brownfields Federal Programs Guide 2025 (pdf) is a 23.61 MB document that serves as a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in brownfields redevelopment.
The 2025 Brownfields Federal Programs Guide, available for download, outlines several resources for financial assistance in environmental-science projects, such as the EPA Brownfields Grants and the Brownfields Job Training Grants. These resources help communities fund the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated sites, fostering business opportunities in environmental regeneration. Moreover, the guide also highlights technical assistance initiatives, like Brownfields University and Workshops, designed to educate communities on best practices in environmental-science and business development.
