AUSTIN, TEXAS – The City of Austin
Brownfields Revitalization Office (ABRO) has been selected to receive a
$600,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant will provide funding for assessments and cleanups at buildings (or land) that may have environmental contamination. These properties are known as brownfields.
The Austin Brownfields Revitalization Office tests for and identifies contamination at redevelopment properties in Austin, specifically in areas with limited resources. If contaminants are found at a property, they are safely removed before redevelopment begins.
"With this grant awarded by the EPA Brownfields Program, the City of Austin will work to transform local properties that may be contaminated into assets for our community," Austin Mayor Steve Adler said. "Many of these contaminated properties are seen as 'blights' in the community, but with this funding, we can redevelop these properties into structures that bring value to and directly benefit underserved or economically disadvantaged communities in Austin. The City of Austin prioritizes the health and safety of its residents, and receiving this grant is a great success in helping us address and remove health concerns that may exist in our community."
Additionally, ABRO offers their services to support the development of affordable housing projects in Austin. "The true goal of brownfields revitalization is to assist with redevelopments that are going to benefit the community and to make sure they are safe for their proposed reuse," said Christine Whitney, Austin Brownfields Program Manager.
For more information about brownfields assistance or to sign up for email updates about the City's Brownfields Program, visit
austintexas.gov/brownfields.
About Austin Brownfields Revitalization Office The City of Austin established the Austin Brownfields Revitalization Office in 1998. This office partners with local governments and other associations to support the revitalization of brownfields as a way to return properties to the community as affordable housing, greenspace or as a commercial, residential or mixed-use development.
About Austin Resource Recovery Austin Resource Recovery provides a wide range of services designed to transform waste into resources while keeping our community clean. Services include curbside collection of recycling, trash, yard trimming and large brush and bulk items; street sweeping; dead animal collection; household hazardous waste disposal and recycling; and outreach and education. In December 2011, the Austin City Council approved the Austin Resource Recovery Master Plan, which is the City's roadmap to Zero Waste. The City of Austin is committed to reducing the amount of waste sent to area landfills by 90 percent by 2040 or sooner.
