The Economic Development Department, in partnership with Public Works, is applying for a $400,000 FY2016 US EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant  to allow the continuation of the City’s Brownfield  Program. To facilitate submission of this application, the Economic Development and Public Works Departments are requesting that Mayor and City Council designate the Economic Development Director as the City's authorized representative to prepare, execute, and submit this application.

The proposed +/- 10.3 square mile project area is generally located north of L.B. McLeod Road, south of W. Colonial Drive, east of N. Pine Hills Road and west of I-4.  This grant, if awarded, will permit the development of an area-wide site inventory, Phase I and/or Phase II environmental assessments for public or privately owned land within City limits, as well as the creation of a public health project. No environmental clean-up work is proposed. No match is required.  If awarded, the grant period would be from October 1, 2016 through to September 30, 2018.

The Federal Brownfields Assessment Program is a recognized economic tool, which encourages redevelopment in low-moderate income areas with a history of industrial uses. The need to establish a broader brownfield program was identified in the 2015 Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan and feedback from the Brownfield Committee.

As part of the application, funding for a Health Impact Assessment (HIA) will also be requested for the Parramore Neighborhood. This request is consistent with the Parramore Comprehensive Neighborhood Plan and related policies to build a healthy community.