The City of Oklahoma City’s Planning Department was awarded a $3.9 million grant from the EPA to help cleanup buildings and sites contaminated by petroleum, hazardous waste and asbestos.
The grant is a part of the City’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program. A few OKC properties that have benefited from Brownfields funding include the First National Building, Steelyard, Oklahoma City Community College’s Capitol Hill campus and the Clara Luper Civil Rights Center.
“The cost of removing contaminants from properties is often cost prohibitive for potential buyers,” said Brownfields Program Coordinator Amanda Alewine. “The land then languishes and eventually becomes an eyesore in the community. These funds provide incentives for people to reinvest in these abandoned and underused properties.”
Environmental Justice Caucus
People interested in environmental justice are encouraged to register to attend a free caucus at 5 p.m. Aug. 15 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. This locally-driven discussion allows people to share ideas, build relationships, and communicate directly with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
National Brownfields Conference
Registration is open for the 2022 National Brownfields Conference Aug. 16-19 at the Oklahoma City Convention Center. The conference is expected to attract people from around the country and will feature more than 120 interactive sessions, mobile workshops and events. A few of the topics include:
- Brownfield Assessment, Cleanups, and Redevelopment
- Community Engagement and Empowerment
- Equitable Development and Environmental Justice
- Funding and Financing for Community Revitalization
- Resiliency and sustainability
- Brownfields Strategies for Rural and Small Communities
“Brownfields 2022 is the premier conference to learn how communities can apply for grants and maximize their economic, environmental and social performance,” added Alewine.
Registration for students is $50; community groups, environmental justice and non-profits is $125; government employees is $200 and private sector is $325.
Brownfields Reception
A community reception for the conference will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 18 at The Jones Assembly. Tickets will be available at Brownfields2022.org.
###
Media Contact:
Kristy Yager
(405) 297-2550
kristy.yager@okc.gov