FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 15, 2004CAPITAL REGION RECEIVES $200,000 FEDERAL ENVIRONMENTAL GRANT
HARTFORD - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today awarded $1.2 million in grants across Connecticut today, including $200,000 for the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG), which includes much of the First Congressional District. The funding will allow regional agencies that received it to assess contaminated land called brownfields for redevelopment. The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, which includes Southington, received $125,000 for the same purpose. Southington is part of the First District.
"Reclaiming abandoned or contaminated brownfield sites is a critical part of revitalizing areas of our cities and towns that are disused," said Larson. "These grants are important to our regional organizations as they work to assist the communities they serve in redevelopment efforts."
The funding awarded in Connecticut was part of $75.4 awarded nationwide, including $8.6 million in New England. The EPA's Brownfields funds help communities assess contaminated vacant sites and estimate the costs of cleaning up site for redevelopment. Municipalities and select organizations can also receive funding for cleanup grants and to establish revolving loan programs that provide low interests loans for cleanups.
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