What is the Brownfields Land Recycling Program?
Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. The main benefit of redeveloping brownfields is economic development for the community and cleanup of unsightly areas. Redevelopment creates jobs, revitalizes inner-city neighborhoods, increases property values and reduces potential health risks to the local community.
The Office of Environmental Programs manages the program, whose goal is to reduce obstacles and provide assistance for redevelopment of brownfields in the city. The program has two components: 1) assistance to city departments for redevelopment of contaminated sites for public use, and 2) assistance to the private sector for redevelopment of sites that benefit the community by reducing environmental exposures, job creation, services, and revitalizing neighborhoods. A single point of contact provides technical assistance, serves as an advocate and liaison between city departments, other government agencies, and participating partners. The program provides municipal grant funds for infrastructure improvements and development fees on qualified brownfields projects. The program is available citywide, with a focus on several geographic areas where economic revitalization is a goal, including designated redevelopment areas, neighborhood initiative areas, the Rio Salado Beyond the Banks Area, the West Phoenix Revitalization Area, Infill Incentive Area, Downtown, and transit-oriented development districts. Please see Program Eligibility Requirements for details on how to qualify for brownfields assistance.
Community awareness and involvement are important factors in cleaning up and developing brownfields properties. The city's Neighborhood Services Department, through its extensive network of neighborhood specialists and outreach efforts, is available for access to local community groups and neighborhood associations.
Expedited plan review is available to all brownfields projects through the Development Services Department. This program is designed to simplify the permitting process and to promote an expedited review schedule.
Other financial assistance from the city may be available through the city's Small Business Assistance Program. The city also may assist program participants in locating other forms of assistance, such as the New Market Loan Program, IDA financing, SBA loans, Job Training Partnership Act benefits and Enterprise Zone tax credits.