We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Bear Paw Development Corporation of Havre encourages landowners of properties that may be contaminated to inquire about funds for environmental assessment and cleanup.
The multi-county economic and community rural development organization has funds available from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Brownfields grants that may be used within Liberty, Hill, Blaine, Phillips and Chouteau counties and on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.
“Currently we have over $195,000 in grant funds available for environmental assessment and $683,000 available for cleanup,” said Paul Tuss, Executive Director.
Bear Paw’s Brownfields Program is supported by two grants, a Brownfield Assessment Grant awarded in 2014, and a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant for Brownfields cleanup awarded in 2011. Brownfields are properties where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant; and these funds can be used to clarify and resolve contaminant issues. Potentially eligible properties include former gas stations, auto repair shops, pesticide/herbicide facilities, dry cleaners, mine sites, buildings containing asbestos or lead-based paint, or any property where site revitalization is complicated by environmental contamination.
“Assessment grant funds can be used to complete Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, determine site contaminant risks, and develop conceptual cleanup plans at no cost to the property owner,” noted Michele Turville, Brownfields Coordinator for Bear Paw Development. The Assessment Grant funds must be utilized by June of 2017.
The RLF funds must be utilized by September 2016. “Our Brownfields RLF funds allow us to make low-interest loans to for-profit property owners as well as loans and sub-grants to non-profits and local governments for the cleanup of contaminated properties,” added Turville.
Any public or private property owner located in Bear Paw Development’s region may be eligible to participate in the Brownfield Program. To learn more about this program or to determine whether your property is eligible for assessment or cleanup, contact Michele Turville, Bear Paw Brownfield Program Coordinator at 406-265-9226.
About Bear Paw Development.Bear Paw Development Corporation is a private non-profit organization created for the purpose of administering programs to help improve regional economic conditions in Hill, Blaine, Liberty, Chouteau and Phillips Counties and the Fort Belknap and Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservations. For more information, visit http://www.bearpaw.org or call (406) 265-9226.
