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DECD pitches brownfields, CIF and new grayfield program as tools to unlock redevelopment
Summary
DECD told the bonding subcommittee that brownfield grants and the Community Investment Fund have leveraged large private investment for cleanup and redevelopment, and previewed a Grayfield Revitalization Program (planning grants and scoring matrix) to target vacant retail/office conversions.
Deputy commissioners from the Department of Economic and Community Development briefed the subcommittee on several bond‑funded tools that are central to the governor's capital package.
Matt Pugliese described DECD’s brownfield remediation awards and leverage: since 2017 DECD said it has made awards to roughly 186 projects and that those grants have helped clean about 2,400 acres and leverage billions of non‑state dollars into redevelopment. "The Brownfield program since 2017 has made awards to a 186 projects, approximately $198,000,000 in state grant funds that leverage a projected $3,700,000,000 in non brownfield dollars," he said.
DECD also highlighted the Community Investment Fund (CIF2030), which has completed multiple rounds of planning and capital awards and offers planning grants designed to mature projects into shovel‑ready investments. DECD staff told the committee that applicants receive 1‑on‑1 support and that CIF has broadened access to funding over several rounds.
On grayfields, DECD previewed a planning and assessment approach modeled on the brownfield program: it will produce a community exposure analysis, an investment structure framework and a scoring matrix to compare projects across diverse geographies and sizes; a municipal planning grant round is expected this summer. DECD emphasized its desire to avoid one‑size‑fits‑all scoring and to produce an apples‑to‑apples decision framework.
Legislators asked about SIF/CIF application volume and whether the department could streamline repeat applications. DECD said many worthy applicants reapply with improved materials and that the agency is exploring process improvements while underlining the need for current documentation when boards consider capital awards.
The subcommittee did not take final action but asked DECD to return with further detail on program mechanics and timelines.
