Commission approves additional asbestos testing under Brownfields grant and moves to publicize REAP dilapidated‑housing funds

County staff received approval to proceed with asbestos and structural testing under the county's Brownfields grant and to publicize a new REAP dilapidated‑housing grant round seeking demolition applications.

Amy (county staff) told commissioners the Brownfields grant totaled $378,000, of which roughly $78,000 has already been spent and about $100,000 is allocated for previously approved projects. That leaves approximately $200,000 available for additional site work. Region 4 requested additional asbestos testing on Collins Middle School because previous sampling did not meet DEP/EPA requirements; Amy said Greenbrier Environmental could perform that testing for about $8,000.

The commission approved contracting for asbestos testing as needed for the Collins site and for houses targeted under the REAP demolition program. Commissioners also approved funding for asbestos, mold and structural testing for county-owned courthouse and park buildings; staff estimated the courthouse and other municipal structures would require roughly $10,000–$20,000 for comprehensive testing.

Separately, commissioners agreed to publicize a new dilapidated‑housing REAP grant, noting the county had previously received $200,200,000 (likely a transcript numeric error; staff clarified the county previously received a smaller REAP allocation and this year received $520,000 in REAP funds) and that the new round will fund additional demolitions. Staff will work with Amy and the county prosecuting attorney to prepare a press release and an application process for property owners and coordinate eligibility criteria.