The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a funding opportunity for Fiscal Year 2025 under its Brownfields Program. The "FY25 Guidelines for Brownfield Assessment Grants (Assessment Coalition Grants)" invites eligible entities to apply for coalition-based grants that support the assessment of brownfield sites, which are properties hindered in development due to possible environmental contamination. This grant allows a lead organization to partner with two to four eligible entities lacking the capacity to manage such grants independently. A total funding pool of approximately $35 million is available, with each coalition eligible to request between $500,000 and $1,200,000. All applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by November 14, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The goal of these grants is to help communities with inventories, site prioritization, and the assessment and planning of potentially hazardous sites. The EPA encourages coalitions to apply as a means of increasing accessibility to brownfields funding in underserved and disadvantaged communities, aligning with the Justice40 Initiative. This initiative aims to direct at least 40 percent of the benefits from federal investments, including environmental and infrastructure programs, to communities overburdened by pollution and historical disinvestment. Projects must align with EPA’s strategic objectives of cleaning and repurposing contaminated land to create healthier communities and support economic development.

Eligible applicants for the lead role include state or county governments, regional councils, general-purpose units of local government, and some federally recognized Tribes. Non-lead coalition members can be general-purpose local government units, certain quasi-governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations that meet specific criteria. For a coalition to qualify, at least one non-lead member must be an entity that has never received an EPA Brownfields Grant. Additionally, applicants must identify distinct target areas for each coalition member, ensuring no overlap. Coalitions must submit a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that outlines roles, responsibilities, and funding distribution among the members.

The grant funds cover costs directly related to brownfield assessments, including community engagement, site prioritization, and the development of site reuse and cleanup plans. Planning is encouraged to take an area-wide approach, coordinating multiple brownfield sites within a geographic area to maximize the impact of cleanup and reuse efforts. Additionally, funds can support community liaisons, who can facilitate engagement and represent community interests. Eligible uses of the funding also include environmental insurance purchases and health monitoring in certain cases. However, funds cannot be used for administrative costs exceeding five percent of the grant amount, penalties, fines, or lobbying.

Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including the applicant's project vision, community need, and engagement plan, cost estimates, and demonstrated programmatic capability. Proposals are expected to address environmental justice by considering how brownfield redevelopment will benefit communities disproportionately affected by contamination and other socio-economic burdens. Projects that incorporate climate adaptation and resilience measures, such as mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and strategies for climate vulnerability, will also be prioritized.

EPA will award these grants in the form of cooperative agreements, necessitating close coordination between the agency and grant recipients. EPA’s involvement includes monitoring grant activities, assisting with Quality Assurance requirements, and reviewing procurement activities and quarterly reports. Grant recipients must follow all federal requirements for environmental results reporting, tracking outputs (e.g., site assessments) and outcomes (e.g., job creation, land repurposing) to document project impact in alignment with EPA’s strategic objectives.

Applicants are advised to review all specific eligibility criteria and ensure complete compliance with the application requirements, as incomplete or incorrect submissions may be deemed ineligible. EPA has also issued detailed guidance on required documentation, cost limitations, and technical requirements for project execution to ensure applicants understand compliance obligations.