Hope Mills board authorizes RFQ to pursue EPA Brownfields assessment grant

Dar McLure of Mid-Atlantic Associates briefed the board on EPA Brownfields Assessment Grants and how assessment funding (commonly $500,000–$1,000,000) can help towns inventory and test abandoned, idle or underutilized properties to remove barriers to redevelopment. McLure gave several North Carolina examples where assessment dollars unlocked cleanup grants and development partnerships.

"These grants allow communities to eliminate development barriers by doing the environmental homework up front," Dar McLure said, describing uses such as Phase I assessments, lead/asbestos testing, structural assessments and targeted redevelopment planning.

Town staff and the strategic planner recommended starting an RFQ process to recruit a consultant ahead of the fall application window so an application can be competitive. The board voted to authorize the manager and staff to issue an RFQ for consultant services to prepare and, if desirable, pursue an EPA assessment grant application.

Why it matters: Brownfields assessment funding could free up private investment and position key downtown or historic sites for redevelopment without up-front town cleanup costs. An awarded assessment grant can also support later cleanup grants, but cleanup funding typically requires town ownership or a public–private strategy.

Next steps: Staff will prepare an RFQ and return to the board for final selection and any application approvals; if awarded, staff and consultant would inventory sites and seek follow-on cleanup funding when necessary.