BOSTON - The Healey-Driscoll Administration is today celebrating that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) won $2 million from the U.S. EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs. These programs fund projects that assess and clean up contaminated sites, known as Brownfields, converting them back into beneficial properties for community and economic development. 

MassDEP won $2 million from the Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant for States and Tribes that will be used for environmental site assessments targeting areas in the Cities of Holyoke, Leominster, and Chelsea, and the Town of Brimfield. The funding will address contamination at the former American Thread Mill site in Holyoke, the former Trant Iron site in Brimfield, a former light industrial facility in Leominster, and the former Boston Hides & Furs industrial site in Chelsea.

In total, Massachusetts communities won $34 million in funding that is also going to Gateway cities, Environmental Justice neighborhoods, rural communities, and planning commissions across the state. The funding will support a range of cleanup initiatives at sites with vacant mills, factories, electrical plants, and former dumping grounds, and will enable communities to repurpose the land for new uses such as housing, commercial space, and community centers.

"Helping communities clean up contaminated sites is a crucial piece of our efforts to protect our environment and pave the way for economic development across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The Brownfields program gives us the support we need to make that happen, which is why I’m thrilled that MassDEP and communities across the state are receiving this funding. We’re grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and our Congressional delegation for their partnership.”

"Cleaning up Brownfields sites unlocks the land for new, exciting developments to enrich the neighborhood," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "The brownfields program is a no-brainer – we clean up contaminated and unusable property and then turn that property into a beneficial use for the community. These funds by the Biden-Harris Administration will unlock more investment in these sites and continue to help Massachusetts thrive." 

"We’re continuing to chase every federal dollar available to Massachusetts and are happy to report that hard work is paying off," said MassDEP Commissioner Bonnie Heiple. "MassDEP will use this funding to continue our successful Brownfields cleanup and redevelopment work across the state. We're particularly focused on directing this support to communities that face challenges disproportionate to available resources to further our nation-leading environmental justice work where it is needed most."

“This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will give new life to these properties, which are currently unusable, abandoned land,” said Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure Quentin Palfrey. “We’re grateful to the Biden Administration and Commissioner Regan for these awards that will help us revitalize areas in communities across Massachusetts.” 

EPA’s Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.7 billion in Brownfield Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. Under President Biden, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has enabled the EPA to increase yearly investment in the program nearly 400 percent.

In 1998, Massachusetts passed its own Brownfields law creating financial incentives and liability relief for parties that take on Brownfield cleanup projects, including a Brownfields Tax Credit. Managed by MassDEP, the Brownfields Program has resulted in rejuvenated properties across the state. In August, as part of the state's first tax cuts in 20 years, Governor Healey extended the Brownfields Tax Credit for another five years. For more information on MassDEP’s Brownfields Cleanup program click here.

Massachusetts awardees include:

Town of Athol - $500,000 for a Brownfields Assessment Grant to conduct environmental site assessments in Downtown Athol and the Millers River Riverfront Area.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission - $3.5 million in addition to the $7,600,000 in EPA funds already awarded, because it has a high-performing Revolving Loan Fund program with significantly depleted funds. The RLF program has successfully made loans or subgrants leading to 12 cleanup projects that are either completed or in progress. 

Town of Clinton - $500,000 for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant to clean up the Rockbestos-Surprenant Cable Corp. facility located at 172 Sterling Street.

Greylock FLUME, Inc. - $1,826,000 for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant to clean up Greylock FLUME Property (a former textile mill) located at 510 State Road in the City of North Adams. 

City of Lawrence - $1 million for a Brownfields Multipurpose Grant to conduct environmental site assessments, prepare four cleanup plans, and conduct community engagement activities in the area surrounding the Lawrence Manchester Rail Corridor.

City of Lowell -$500,000 for a Brownfields Assessment Grant to conduct environmental site assessments and develop cleanup plans in the City’s JAM urban Renewal Plan Area and Hamilton Canal Innovation District. $5 million for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant to clean up the Veterans of Foreign War Highway at the Beaver Brook site.

City of Lynn - $500,000 for a Brownfields Assessment Grant to conduct environmental site assessments focusing on the Downtown and Waterfront Areas. 

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection - $2 million for a Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant for States and Tribes that will be used for environmental site assessments targeting areas in the Cities of Holyoke, Leominster, and Chelsea, and the Town of Brimfield.

Merrimack Valley Planning Commission - $1 million in addition to the $3,195,000 in EPA funds already awarded, because it has a high-performing Revolving Loan Fund program with significantly depleted funds. The RLF program has successfully made loans or subgrants leading to nine cleanup projects that are either completed or in progress. 

Town of Montague - $4,920,400 for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant to clean up the Strathmore Mill property located at 20 Canal Road. 

City of North Adams -$1.9 million for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant to clean up the Former Tannery Dump located on Ashton Avenue. 

City of Salem - $500,000 for a Brownfields Assessment Grant to conduct environmental site assessments in the South Salem Brownfields Corridor. $1 million in addition to the $950,000 in EPA funds already awarded, because it has a high-performing Revolving Loan Fund program with significantly depleted funds. The RLF program has successfully made its first loan leading to one completed cleanup project.

Town of Spencer - $500,000 for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant to clean up the Former Lake Street Elementary School located at 17 Lake Street.

City of Springfield - $5 million for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant to clean up the ES Pinevale Street Property located in the Indian Orchard neighborhood.

Westmass Area Development Corporation - $1 million for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant to clean up the Ludlow Mills #11, Ludlow Mills #9, and Warehouse #199 sites located at Riverside Drive and 100 State Street in the City of Ludlow. 

City of Worcester - $3.5 million in addition to the $7,849,273 in EPA funds already awarded, because it has a high-performing Revolving Loan Fund program with significantly depleted funds. The RLF program has successfully made loans or subgrants leading to 16 cleanup projects that are either completed or in progress. 

For more information on these grant awards click here.

Congressional Delegation Statements:

Senator Ed Markey:

“It’s simple-we know that Brownfields grants unlock vital funding to free our towns and cities from dangerous pollution and toxic contamination. This historic investment will bring cleaner water, land, and air to communities across the Commonwealth and deliver a more livable future with green spaces to work, live, and play.”

Senator Elizabeth Warren:

“I'm over the moon that we'll be able to invest in our communities, create jobs, and clean up sites across the Commonwealth with this funding. This is a great win for our environment, our communities, and our kids who are going to reap the benefits for generations to come."

Congressman Richard Neal:

“I am pleased that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation that was largely written in the Ways and Means Committee under my chairmanship, continues to deliver for the Commonwealth. This announcement marks a historic win for our communities and our environment. Cities like Holyoke, North Adams, and Springfield are all too familiar with Brownfields. This funding will provide much-needed relief to an ongoing issue, allowing communities to complete revitalization projects, setting the stage for future economic growth and development.”

Congressman Jim McGovern:

“These critical investments will help clean up pollution, protect our air and water, and revitalize our cities and towns. Democrats and President Biden worked hard to ensure that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law would deliver for communities across America, and that is exactly what we’re seeing happen with this funding. I’m grateful for the partnership of Governor Healey and my colleagues in Congress as we work together to grow our economy and protect our environment.”

Congresswoman Lori Trahan:

“I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to make long overdue improvements in communities large and small across the Commonwealth. This federal funding will give Lowell, Lawrence, Clinton, and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission the resources necessary to complete revitalization projects that will improve life for hardworking families, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen our local economy for years to come.”

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley:

“Communities like Chelsea in the Massachusetts 7th have borne the brunt of environmental injustice for far too long and they deserve precise, intentional investments to address the harms of environmental pollution head-on. These federal dollars to clean up the former Boston Hides and Furs site will help make the area safer for residents while also spurring economic and community development. I’m grateful to the Biden Administration for these investments and look forward to partnering with the EPA and Healey-Driscoll Administration to see these projects forward.”