Wayne County's Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund will receive $500,000 in additional federal support as part of a $14.3 million statewide brownfield cleanup package announced by U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
The Wayne County award is being provided through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for a high-performing revolving loan fund program whose existing resources have been significantly depleted, according to the senators' announcement.
The county program had already received $1 million in EPA funding. The revolving loan fund has supported six cleanup projects that are either completed or in progress.
Projects highlighted for potential use of the new funding include the Canal Street Redevelopment Project in Lyons, Caulkins Tire in Williamson and the 165 Water Street property in Lyons.
Brownfields are properties where contamination can threaten public health, environmental quality and future reuse. Federal brownfield funding can be used to assess, clean up and redevelop polluted or abandoned properties.
Schumer said the funding is intended to help communities turn contaminated sites into opportunities for new development, jobs and improved public health. Gillibrand said the investment will help address health and infrastructure risks while supporting reuse of abandoned properties.
The statewide awards include support for 13 communities and programs across New York. The money is part of the EPA Brownfields Program, which received additional funding through the federal infrastructure law.
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