Brownfields Program
In 2009, the EPA awarded the City of Kalispell a Brownfield Assessment Grant in the amount of $400,000 to conduct environmental site assessments as part of a larger plan to revitalize the core of Kalispell. Using these funds, the City hopes to inventory and prioritize Brownfield sites, complete assessments, and develop cleanup plans for those sites which have the greatest potential for redevelopment. Any property where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance may be eligible for funding under the program. Typical sites include abandoned gas stations, refineries and bulk plants, dry cleaners, post and pole treatment plants, and buildings containing asbestos and lead-based paint. The City hopes to conduct up to sixteen Phase I and six Phase II environmental site assessments by November 2012.
The Kalispell Brownfield Program is voluntary. Public or private property owners can use grant funds to address regulatory agency requirements, complete the sale of their property, or to learn more about their property should they consider selling it. The assessments are completed at no cost to the property owner, and information on the presence/absence of contamination is provided to the owner upon completion of the work. In addition, any site assessed by the City is potentially eligible for cleanup grant funds from EPA which the City may apply for in coming years.
In 2010, the EPA awarded the City of Kalispell a Brownfields Area-Wide Planning Pilot Program grant in the amount of $175,000. The purpose of this project is to work with our community to develop a vision and concept for revitalization of the core industrial area of Kalispell. Initial meetings for the project were held the spring of 2011.
In 2011, the EPA awarded the City of Kalispell a Brownfields Clean-up Revolving Loan Fund grant in the amount of $1,000,000. These funds will be made available to eligible applicants for low-interest loans for the purpose of remediating Brownfields sites.
