DNR To Host Brownfields Panel Discussions On Sept. 15

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host two panel discussions on Sept. 15, 2022 regarding the potential clean up of brownfield sites across the state.

Brownfields are abandoned, idle and underused properties where reuse is stalled by potential contamination. Brownfields vary in size, location, age and past use; they can be anything from a 500-acre former automobile assembly plant to a small, abandoned gas station.

Panelists will highlight new community revitalization opportunities available through a historic influx of federal infrastructure brownfields funding. They will also share best practices and lessons learned during brownfield redevelopment. Panel presentations and interactive question and answer sessions will provide resources for communities that are interested in revitalizing brownfields but are not sure where to start or need financial resources to make it happen.

Action by local communities is often the key to cleaning up and redeveloping brownfield sites. The DNR has a wide range of financial and liability tools available to help local governments, businesses, lenders and others clean up and redevelop brownfields in Wisconsin, including Ready for Reuse financial awards, which may be used for environmental cleanup. DNR staff around the state are available to meet with interested parties to discuss brownfield projects.

More information about the DNR’s brownfield cleanup programs and services is available on the DNR’s brownfields website.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Brownfields Fundamentals Panel Discussions

When:

9:30 – 11 a.m. Sept. 15, 2022
Brownfields Assistance: Boosting Redevelopment with Fresh Funds
A panel of experts from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Kansas State University Technical Assistance for Brownfields program will join the DNR to discuss brownfields financial assistance available to Wisconsin local governments, with an emphasis on federal infrastructure funding.

1:30 – 3 p.m. Sept. 15, 2022
Local Governments and Brownfields: Best Practices and Lessons
Experienced staff from four Wisconsin communities – Calumet County and the cities of Prairie du Chien, Manitowoc and Appleton – will share best practices and lessons learned while navigating brownfield redevelopment projects.

Where: Both panel discussions will be held via Zoom. Register here.