Council approves Brownfields grant partnership to fund Main Street Phase II assessment

The Newport City Council on Nov. 21 endorsed pursuing a Brownfields grant application in partnership with MBDA to fund environmental assessments and support redevelopment of previously cleared Main Street property. City Manager Laura Dogen described the opportunity and recommended council approval; the council approved the motion by voice vote.

Dogen told the council she had researched questions raised at an earlier meeting and confirmed that an Act 250 permit is separate from Brownfields assessment work. She said a Phase I assessment on the Main Street site had already been completed and that MBDA recommended a Phase II assessment, which would involve sampling and more intensive investigation. She stated: "The code for phase 2 assessment work was $90,000 and having funds would allow MBDA to cover that cost and facilitate a redevelopment for that particular property." Dogen said a successful MBDA application would permit MBDA to cover assessment costs and make it easier for a new business to redevelop the property.

Dogen noted that other properties in Newport also likely need at least a Phase I assessment and said the city would proceed only if MBDA’s application is successful. The council voted in favor of pursuing the MBDA Brownfields opportunity and encouraged staff to continue follow-up with the regional partners.

The council’s endorsement authorizes staff to work with MBDA on the grant application and positions the city to receive assessment funding if the application is approved. No dollar contract or final funding award was decided at the meeting; the action authorizes staff to pursue the application and accept MBDA assistance if awarded.