Brownfield Services

Brownfield sites are abandoned, idle or underutilized industrial/commercial properties where redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental issues.  Such sites are not necessarily limited to urban areas and are found in rural areas as well. Many blighted or obsolete properties may qualify for brownfield status, even though they are not associated with environmental contamination.

Successful brownfield redevelopment reduces urban sprawl and new development pressure on "green space" and farm lands. The U.S. EPA began funding activities to assist with clean up of brownfield sites in 1995. Over the past several years significant progress has been made to address brownfield sites in many states throughout the country.  Michigan has become a national leader in brownfield redevelopment and related legislation.

Under Part 201 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, contaminated commercial real estate can be acquired by a new party without having to assume liability for existing contamination.  In 1996 the State of Michigan implemented the Brownfield Redevelopment Financing Authority Act (P.A. 381).  This legislation was designed to encourage redevelopment of brownfield sites. The State of Michigan and local communities are empowered to assist with brownfield redevelopment by means of loans/grants for site investigation and development activities, credits against the Single Business Tax, and local tax increment financing.  Additionally, the State of Michigan has created significant financial incentives for clean up and redevelopment of brownfield sites by means of the Clean Michigan Initiative. 

• Selected Project Summaries