City secures one-year extension on EPA Brownfields assessment grant with about $70,000 remaining

Staff reported the city obtained a one-year extension on its EPA Brownfields assessment grant, extending grant activity through September 2026 and leaving roughly $70,000 available to fund Phase I and Phase II assessments.

Terry said the remaining funding could cover several Phase I assessments and possibly one or more Phase II assessments depending on property size and scope. Staff have identified multiple candidate properties — including a former Mexican restaurant site and the Southview property where asbestos work was completed — and have been in contact with owners or realtors to assess interest.

Terry said if a large Phase II is required, it could consume the bulk of the remaining funds; in that case staff could continue to use the grant for Phase I assessments (roughly $4,000 each) to maximize the number of sites assessed.

Commissioners asked staff to continue outreach to property owners and to report back on sites that appear likely to move toward redevelopment. The extension gives staff 12 months to obligate the funds under the grant.