FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $1 million in brownfield grants to revitalize two Kentucky communities. Brownfield sites are properties where expansion and redevelopment is complicated because there is the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.
The EPA announced this week that the city of Frankfort is getting $200,000 to assess for petroleum and another $200,000 to assess for the presence of hazardous substances. The Northern Kentucky Area Development District will also be getting a $600,000 grant to assess for hazardous substances.
Federal officials say the grant money provides the funding to clean and redevelop contaminated properties, and boosts local economies while protecting human health.
Frankfort city grants manager Rebecca Hall told The State Journal (https://bit.ly/1wrKywN) that the funding can be used for testing anywhere in the city, but would likely be focused on Holmes Street and Second Street.
“Both are entrances into the city and have several gas stations around them,” Hall said.
She said the city would begin by searching records to determine the likelihood of a brownfield, and then would have contractors drill and test any potential sites that are identified.
Frankfort Mayor Bill May said a partnership between U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and city staff helped the city get the grant.
“We are very appreciative of the EPA for awarding this grant, and thank Congressman Andy Barr and his staff for their assistance in this process,” he said.
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Information from: The State Journal, https://www.state-journal.com
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