Kingman city staff told the commission that the city is participating in a Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) Route 66 Coalition brownfields grant, a $1.5 million EPA award that will fund Phase I and II environmental assessments for potentially contaminated commercial and publicly owned properties.

City Economic Development staffer Terry Curtis told commissioners the grant is intended to help property owners determine whether hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint or underground storage tanks are present and to clear title or condition questions that can block redevelopment. He said the program is not an enforcement grant and that participating property owners can learn whether remediation is needed without triggering immediate regulatory enforcement.

Curtis said Mohave County, Kingman, NACOG and consultant Stantec are coordinating outreach, site nomination and assessment work, and that the coalition hopes to spend a substantial portion of the award in Mohave County. He identified historic Hotel Beal as an example of a property the nomination group is considering and encouraged property owners to nominate sites; he also said Stantec will manage the environmental work and the city will hold public engagement as nominations progress.

Why it matters: Phase I (records review and site reconnaissance) and Phase II (sampling and testing) assessments can remove uncertainty that discourages private reinvestment in older commercial parcels and historic properties. Curtis said the assessments could make it easier for owners to pursue redevelopment, rehabilitation or formal historic preservation actions.

What commissioners heard: Commissioners and attendees asked about remediation funding and next steps. Curtis said Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) offers remediation funding in some cases but did not specify amounts or eligibility details; he said staff will refer owners to remediation programs when appropriate. Commissioners on the advisory committee for the grant (including the commission chair and vice chair) will vote on property nominations at future advisory meetings.

Outcome and next steps: The item was presented as information only; no motion or formal action was taken. Staff asked the public to nominate properties and said the coalition will meet monthly and post information on the city website.

Ending: Staff offered to return with outreach materials and updates as nominations and assessments proceed.