Astoria, Oregon, one of nine cities nationally to share $3.8 million in new EPA Brownfields redevelopment funding
Susan Morales, EPA/Seattle 206-553-7299, morales.susan@epa.gov Mark MacIntyre, EPA/Seattle 206-553-7302, macintyre.mark@epa.gov
(Seattle - May 31, 2011) – Nine communities across America will share $3.8 million in new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding to help cleanup and redevelop of local contaminated properties. The new pilot “Multi-Purpose” grants, funded by EPA’s Brownfields program, will help recipients conduct assessments and cleanups, eliminating delays.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, EPA has selected the City of Astoria for a Brownfields multi-purpose pilot grant. Hazardous substances grant funds will be used to assess and clean up the Heritage Square site located at 1153 Duane Street. Once the site of an auto repair shop, a dry cleaner and later a printer, the Duane Street location will be redeveloped as an outdoor community gathering place with an amphitheater, market plaza, boardwalk and covered pavilions.
EPA believes that by investing in local redevelopment, communities can help clean up America’s land, boost local economies and create jobs while protecting public health.
A Nod to Local Chinese History
A historic dimension to the Astoria redevelopment project is the Garden of Surging Waves, a non-traditional Chinese Garden that will be a tribute to Astoria's Chinese heritage. Astoria has a rich and diverse social history, populated with a variety of ethnic groups, many of which are honored elsewhere in the community. But until now, Astoria’s early Chinese history has remained obscure. When fishing and fish canneries were two of Astoria’s primary industries, Chinese men were a key part of the cannery workforce.
EPA’s Brownfields Program
There are an estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites in America. EPA’s Brownfields program targets these sites to encourage redevelopment, and help provide the opportunity for productive community use of contaminated properties. Brownfields grants target under-served and low income neighborhoods – places where environmental cleanups and new jobs are most needed.
More information on Brownfields grants by state: http://cfpub.epa.gov/bf_factsheets/
More information on EPA’s Brownfields program: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/
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Thursday, May 31, 2012
Region 10 News Release
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