Brownfields Program: Site Reuse & Revitalization

Scope

Vision: Revitalize vacant and underutilized (“brownfield”) properties throughout Matanuska-Susitna (Mat-Su) Borough to provide benefits to the community, including environmental restoration, job creation, increased property values, and reduced health risks.

Mission: Use EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant funding to inventory and prioritize brownfield sites for redevelopment, assess existing site conditions, and plan for cleanup and reuse of priority sites throughout our community.

Project Status

Reviewing Parcels for inclusion in project.

Guiding Principles

• Prioritize use of grant funds on priority sites that will attract investors and become a catalyst for new employment opportunities and a sustainable job base.
• Build on past brownfield redevelopment successes.
• Promote infill development that maximizes use of existing space, infrastructure and utilities.
• Remove redevelopment barriers by addressing unknown site conditions and creating shovel ready sites.
• Invest in sites that will generate public and private revenue.
• Transform blighted areas into thriving neighborhoods.
• Protect public health and the environment.
• Promote public participation and input on priority redevelopment areas and sites.

Helpful Information

Background

The Site Reuse and Revitalization Program is funded by two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Assessment Grants awarded in 2016 to a Coalition led by Mat-Su Borough and supported by the Cities of Palmer and Wasilla. The Program is managed by Mat-Su Borough with support from an environmental consulting team led by Stantec Consulting Services Inc. (Stantec). The grants will fund Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) and other cleanup/reuse activities at publicly and privately-owned brownfield sites over a three-year period (through September 2019).

The EPA defines brownfields as “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential [i.e. perceived] presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.”

Environmental impacts from historic industrial operations and commercial activities have resulted in vacant and underutilized brownfield properties throughout Mat-Su Borough. Brownfields include derelict industrial sites along rail corridors, former auto-related businesses in aging commercial corridors, and other vacant and underutilized commercial and industrial properties. Under contract with Mat-Su Borough, Stantec will assess environmental liabilities and develop cleanup/reuse plans to catalyze redevelopment throughout the community.

The Coalition is seeking candidate sites throughout the community to participate in this this exciting program! Please contact Chris Cole (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 907-861-7855) to see if your property is eligible for grant funded activities. 

News & Announcements

• Outreach Presentations: If your organization would like to learn more about this program and have a group presentation, please contact Chris Cole at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Brownfield Advisory Committee Meeting: The Brownfield Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting was held on Monday, August 21, 2017 from 10:30-11:30 in the Mat-Su Borough Assembly Chambers to review the brownfield inventory, develop a property prioritization process, and discuss local opportunities for investing assessment funding.
• Community Meeting #1: A community meeting was held May 16, 2017 from 3:00-4:30pm at the Palmer Depot. We are still looking for volunters for the Brownfield Advisory Committee (BAC). The BAC meets twice a year and provides guidance to the Mat-Su Coalition on how to best prioritize site assessments and spend grant funding.
• Press Release: EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant award announcement posted on MSB’s website and Facebook page.
• Article: “EPA Grants Launch Cleanup Process for Polluted Sites in Mat-Su.” Alaska Dispatch News. June 2, 2016.
• Borough Manager’s Report: EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant award announcement in the June and September Borough Manager’s Report.

 

Resources

Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessment Videos