The city of Ashland is happy to announce it has been awarded a Brownfields Assessment Grant by the Environmental Protection Agency in the amount of $500,000.
The EPA’s Brownfields and Land Revitalization Program provides funds to communities to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfield sites. Assessment Grants provide funding for a recipient to inventory, characterize, and assess sites, as well as conduct planning around one or more brownfield, site-specific cleanup and redevelopment planning, and community involvement.
“Receiving the EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant is an incredible honor for the city of Ashland,” Ashland Mayor Matt Perkins said. “It serves as a testament to our city and state’s commitment to environmental stewardship, economic growth, and the betterment of our community. This grant represents a remarkable opportunity to restore and reclaim our brownfield sites, breathing new life into them and opening doors to sustainable development.
“Our vision for this grant is one of resilience, sustainability, and prosperity,” Mayor Perkins continued. “Through strategic use of this grant, we will unlock the untapped potential of our brownfield sites, fostering job creation, attracting new investments, and revitalizing communities. Together, we will build a greener, cleaner, and more vibrant Ashland.”
Instrumental in the process were Community & Economic Development Director Chris Pullem and City Planner Katherine Utsinger. Mayor Perkins, Utsinger, and Economic Development Specialist Eden McKenzie were in attendance Thursday afternoon at a press conference in Frankfort to accept the award.