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EDGE reports limited uptake of $1M EPA brownfields loan fund; county leaders press for targeted outreach
Summary
EDGE said its $1,000,000 EPA revolving loan fund for brownfield remediation has drawn four pre-applications (none eligible yet) and about $33,000 in administrative/marketing draws; roughly $948,000 remained to lend. Commissioners urged more targeted outreach to developers in District 7 and asked for a registry of brownfields.
EDGE (Economic Development Group) updated the Core City committee on a $1,000,000 EPA-funded revolving loan fund for brownfield remediation awarded in October 2023. Dr. Joanne Massey, EDGE’s president and CEO, said the fund is a five-year revolving loan and that EDGE has received four pre-applications that did not meet EPA eligibility requirements but that outreach and a recent "lunch and learn" increased interest and produced a pre-application now in the pipeline.
Commissioners asked how much of the $1,000,000 has been drawn and what EDGE has spent on set-up and outreach. Massey said roughly $33,000 was drawn for marketing, advisory-council costs and consultant fees, and that about $948,000 remains available to loan. She said EDGE identified five sites in the initial EPA submission but cannot control who applies; commissioners asked for help identifying local developers and a state registry of brownfields.
Commissioner Thornton and others pressed EDGE to provide a list of developers contacted and to step up targeted outreach in District 7 where members said brownfields cleanup has been scarce. Massey said EDGE will share outreach lists and continue coordinating with CRA and other partners to build a pipeline.
Why it matters: Brownfields remediation can unlock redevelopment in underserved areas, but available loan capital must be matched with eligible applicants and project readiness to be effective.
What’s next: EDGE will provide commissioners with additional documentation on advisory-board membership, recent draw amounts and outreach lists; commissioners offered to amplify marketing through county channels.
