Contact Information: EPA Press Office (press@epa.gov)
LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 10, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the selection of Kansas State University to receive $4 million in grant funding over the course of five years to provide technical assistance and increase the capacity of Tribal Nations and entities to build sustainable brownfield programs, establish and enhance their Tribal Response Programs, and conduct and oversee brownfields assessment and cleanup activities.
This grant will enable Kansas State University to provide technical assistance to federally recognized Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Villages, Alaska Native Regional Corporations, Alaska Native Village Corporations, the Metlakatla Indian community, and Intertribal Consortia upon request.
“Under this new grant, EPA re-affirms its commitment to supporting Tribal Nations and entities addressing brownfields,” said Cliff Villa, EPA’s Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management. “EPA is excited to continue working with Tribal entities to clean up and revitalize brownfield sites across the country."
Recognizing that each Tribe is an independent, sovereign nation, responsible for establishing environmental standards, policy, and managing environmental programs, EPA acknowledges that each Tribal Nation and entity faces unique challenges, many of which stem from similar environmental legacies. This cooperative agreement grant will support Tribal communities in their efforts to tackle the challenges of assessing, cleaning up and preparing brownfield sites for redevelopment.
Kansas State University will create deliverables that align with Tribal priorities, capacity, and goals, to address the following subject areas:
• Brownfields Finance and Planning Strategies for Tribal Nations and Entities.
• Science and Technology Relating to Brownfields Assessment, Remediation, and Site Preparation for Safe and Resilient Reuse.
• Assist Tribal Nations and Entities in Understanding and Building Tribal Response Programs.
• Facilitate Storytelling and Promote Collaboration About Brownfields Reuse.
• Integrated Approaches to Brownfields Cleanup and Reuse.
Visit EPA’s Brownfields Program website for more information.
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