PCEDC to get $400K for brownfields assessment

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and Angus King announced that $7,340,000 in federal funding has been awarded for the assessment and cleanup of Brownfield sites in Maine. Among the recipients is the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, which will receive $400,000 for assessment.

The federal grants awarded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will assist communities to redevelop these sites in order to promote environmental integrity and future economic investment. A brownfield site is property that contains a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant, which hinders the potential to reuse or redevelop the site. The EPA’s brownfields program assists states and local communities as they assess, safely clean up, and reuse Brownfield sites for economic development projects.

“For years, the Brownfields Program has helped Maine communities rebuild and revitalize unused and contaminated properties,” said Sens. Collins and King. “This funding is an important investment in Maine’s environment and economy that will help spur development and stability across the state.”