EPA Selects Kansas State University to Receive $4M in Grant Funding to Provide Technical Assistance to Tribal Nations and Entities Addressing Brownfields

January 10, 2024 FedWatch Comments Off

LENEXA, KAN. (JAN. 10, 2024) – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the selection of Kansas State University (KSU) 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 brownfield assessment and cleanup activities.

This grant will enable KSU 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 reaffirms its commitment to supporting tribal nations and entities addressing brownfields,” said Cliff Villa, deputy assistant administrator for EPA’s 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.

KSU 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