West Florida Regional Planning Council Brownfields Program
The West Florida Regional Planning Council was selected to receive a Brownfields revolving loan fund grant. The West Florida Regional Planning Council represents seven counties (combined population 886,505) in Florida's western panhandle. After decades of slow decline, the region's basic industries, including pulp mills, timber, and commercial fishing, have been replaced by residential and higher-priced coastal development. This shift in the economy has displaced many workers and businesses. Numerous potentially contaminated sites, including manufacturing facilities, dry cleaners, and salvage yards, are scattered throughout the region. Reports indicate that 204 hazardous substances releases and more than 1,366 petroleum discharges occurred in the region in 2006. Cleanup and redevelopment conducted through the RLF grant are expected to create new jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Mission
The West Florida Regional Planning Council's Brownfields Program is being implemented through an EPA Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to assist in cleanup planning and remediation activities. The purpose of these activities is to promote redevelopment of the funded sites and future reuse of the property that does not pose a threat to human health and the environment.
It is important to note that the WFRPC is not designating and is not authorized to designate any property as a Brownfield. This designation can only be done by the local jurisdiction in cooperation with the property owner(s). The RLF is a financial tool with tax credit incentives to address an environmental issue while encouraging re-development with an affordable financing option. The WFRPC will partner with local entities as part of the creative solution in addressing these issues through below market rate loans thereby allowing public and private sector developer's assistance in revitalizing these properties.
What is a Brownfield?
Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment. For more information visit EPA's website at http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/
Brownfields Program Coordinator:
Cynthia Williams (Bio)
For additional information you may call or email Cynthia at:
Email: Cynthia.Williams@wfrpc.org Phone: 850-332-7976 x 222