Funding for Brownfield Redevelopment

A safe building site is truly the foundation of local development, redevelopment, or expansion. With that in mind, the Kentucky Brownfield Program (KBP), part of the Kentucky Department for Environmental Protection in the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, created a new tool to help city officials understand how vacant, abandoned, and underutilized properties can offer a number of opportunities when addressed correctly. Best of all, millions of state and federal dollars are available for brownfield assessment and remediation.

Most cities have brownfields. But these unsightly spots are sometimes diamonds in the rough and can be safely transformed into private businesses, housing developments, city parks, and more.

Part of the challenge is rethinking how local officials view these properties and their potential, even former sites of gas stations, factories, or other spots where chemicals (or asbestos) were once present. A recent KLC webinar outlined property assessment, obtaining grants, and other resources for cities as they consider these properties part of their overall development mix.

The Local Official’s Guide to Brownfield Redevelopment provides guidance on the redevelopment process and addresses misinformation and perceived liability where they often do not exist. The easy-to-use and succinct digital guide was created at the request of the Kentucky League of Cities to help local officials get the most out of KBP’s outstanding services and learn how to access state and federal funding and resources.

There are a lot of properties that can be remediated or “cleaned up,” and there are steps cities can take to make these properties desirable locations for development. The Local Officials Guide to Brownfield Development outlines what local officials need to do to identify and get the ball rolling on a property and how to work through local laws, code enforcement, property owner accountability, and other key considerations. As with other projects, city officials can consider using brownfield properties through local partnerships, which the guide also covers. The guide is free to download, and because it is digital, it will be updated as needed. Also available are a quick reference flyer and guide on asbestos removal, often part of brownfield remediation.

As KLC continues to partner with KBP, our hope is that cities will take advantage of their expertise and think about the potential in their community for all property, including brownfields. For more information on the guide or other resources, visit the KBP website, contact KBP, or contact

Lynn True, Kentucky Brownfield Program Coordinator
502.782.6484
Lynn.True@ky.gov

Kiersten M. O’Leary, Environmental Education Specialist
502.782.6360
Kierstenm.oleary@ky.gov

KLC Brownfield Contact:
KLC Member Relations Manager Terri Johnson
859.977.3784