Phoenix (April 13, 2020) – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has awarded more than $360,000 to support rural towns, cities and organizations in repurposing and restoring blighted properties. To help mark the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day next week, join ADEQ in celebrating this year’s Brownfields Assistance Program projects, which create new opportunity for once abandoned land and dilapidated buildings. 

What are Brownfields? | Learn More >

Brownfields Assistance Program funds are used to conduct environmental assessments, cleanup and restoration to reduce environmental hazards, mitigate public health threats, create new business opportunities, increase tax revenue and restore blighted properties to productive use. ADEQ is funding eleven projects this fiscal year, including for: 

• The Town of Globe, which is rehabilitating an unused building next to their current library to expand programs for seniors and children.
• Gila County, which demolished an abandoned hotel that was damaged in a storm to create more parking for the only restaurant in the Hayden/Winkelman area and potentially create a small park with area historical information | View Video >
• The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, which completed an asbestos and lead survey prior to the demolition of building in Cottonwood to create a community park for children and families in the area.
• The Town of Superior, which is renovating a former school building to improve the senior center and offices for the town hall.

“These funds provide us a tremendous opportunity to work on community clean up and turn once rundown buildings into potential places for economic development, “said Mila Besich, Mayor of Superior. “With this latest grant, we continue to advance plans for our multi-generational center project that will benefit all residents of Superior.”

View the full list of more than 70 projects | Brownfields Assistance Program Awards Listing >

The Brownfields Assistance Program conducts projects through Arizona’s State Response Grant using funds provided by the Environmental Protection Agency. The program assists local governments, schools, hospitals, nonprofit and tribes. Program funds are limited | Download Application >

Contact

ADEQ Public Information Officer | 602-771-2215 (office) | 602-540-8072 (cell) | Email >