FY25 GUIDELINES FOR BROWNFIELD CLEANUP GRANTS

Background
The FY25 Guidelines for Brownfield Cleanup Grants are issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide funding for cleanup activities at brownfield sites owned by the applicant. A brownfield site is defined as real property where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

This program is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) and aims to empower states, Tribal Nations, communities, and nonprofit organizations in revitalizing brownfield properties while addressing environmental justice and community health disparities.

Grant Details
Cleanup Grants provide funding for cleanup activities at brownfield sites owned by the applicant. Applicants may submit only one Cleanup Grant application in the FY25 competition cycle. Funding requests can be made for:
- up to $500,000 for one site or multiple sites;
- between $500,001 and $2,000,000;
- or between $2,000,001 and $4,000,000.

The grant can address hazardous substances and/or petroleum contamination. Applicants must own the site(s) by November 14, 2024. Grant funds can be used for direct costs associated with cleanup management and health monitoring related to hazardous substances. However, funds cannot be used for proposal preparation costs or penalties.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include general purpose units of local government, land clearance authorities, government entities created by state legislatures, regional councils established under governmental authority, redevelopment agencies chartered by a state, states themselves, federally recognized Indian Tribes (excluding those in Alaska), nonprofit organizations under section 501(c)(3), limited liability corporations with 501(c)(3) members, qualified community development entities, and other nonprofit organizations. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible.

Period of Performance
The project period for Cleanup Grants is up to four years.

Grant Value
The estimated total funding available is approximately $100 million. EPA anticipates awarding around 30 grants of up to $500,000 each; approximately 23 grants between $500,001 and $2 million; and about 10 grants ranging from $2 million to $4 million.