00A00805

Description:
Brownfields are real property, the expansion, development, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. This agreement will provide funding under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission to re-capitalize a revolving loan fund as authorized by CERCLA 104(K)(5)(A)(II) in Berkshire County, Massachusetts.

Activities:
This agreement will provide funding for the recipient to re-capitalize a revolving loan fund from which to make loans and subgrants to clean up brownfield site(s) and conduct other necessary activities to prudently manage the RLF. Additionally, the recipient will competitively procure (as needed) and direct a qualified environmental professional to oversee the environmental site activities. The recipient will also create a community involvement plan and administrative record for each site that is remediated. The recipient will report on program income, interim progress, and final accomplishments by completing and submitting relevant portions of the Property Profile Form and Brownfields RLF Form using EPA's Assessment, Cleanup, and Redevelopment Exchange System (ACRES).

Subrecipient:
Subgrants will be issued to remediate eligible brownfields sites.

Site-Specific and Non-Site-Specific Activities Included:
Non-site-specific tasks include marketing the program to cities, towns, developers, and non-profits, conducting public outreach, and preparing outreach materials relevant to the recipient's RLF program. Site-specific tasks include verifying site and borrower/subgrant eligibility, subgrant agreements, conducting site-specific public relations activities, and consulting with and enrolling sites in the state's voluntary cleanup program. The recipient will oversee the completion of site remediation and preparation of cleanup completion documentation, including the implementation of institutional controls.

Outcomes:
The recipient will issue approximately 8 loans and 4 subgrants to remediate 12 brownfield site(s). They anticipate holding 12 community meetings, finalizing 12 analyses of brownfield cleanup alternatives, and submitting 20 quarterly reports. The work conducted under this agreement will benefit the residents, business owners, and stakeholders in and near Berkshire County, Massachusetts.

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

66.818 - Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Cooperative Agreements

EPA Region 1: Boston [EPA - RO]

Berkshire, Massachusetts United States

County-Wide

None

Infrastructure $4,850,000 (100%) percent this Cooperative Agreement was funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Act.
Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 09/30/27 to 09/30/28 and the total obligations have increased 94% from $2,500,000 to $4,850,000.