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Consider/Discuss/Act on a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for and Accept, if Awarded, Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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MEETING DATE: January 21, 2014
DEPARTMENT: Housing and Community Development
Development Services - Planning Department
CONTACT: Janay Tieken, Housing and Community Development Manager
Jennifer Arnold, Planning Manager
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
· Approval of the Resolution.
ITEM SUMMARY:
· Staff is requesting authorization to apply for and accept, if awarded, a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF) grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
· Proposals are due January 22, 2014.
· Housing and Community Development Staff are preparing the proposal package and, if selected, the City may be awarded $1,000,000 in Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (BCRLF) grant funding.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
· A brownfield site is defined as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminates, controlled substances, or petroleum or petroleum products.
· In 2002, the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act was signed into law. Under this law, EPA provides financial assistance to eligible applicants through four competitive grant programs: (1) assessment grants, (2) revolving loan fund grants, (3) cleanup grants, and (4) job training grants.
· In FY 2010, the City of McKinney was awarded $400,000 in Brownfield Assessment grant funding and has utilized that funding to establish and operate the McKinney Brownfields Program. Assessments funded by this grant have identified areas that have the potential to utilize BCRLF funds.
· In a related item on tonight's agenda, City Staff is requesting authorization to make a re-application to the Environmental Protection Agency through the FY 2014 Assessment grant program in order to continue operating the McKinney Brownfields Program.
· Application for Revolving Loan Fund grant funding will allow the City of McKinney to expand the scope of the existing program in order to fund assessments and make low-interest loans to carryout cleanup activities at brownfields properties.
· The target area of the McKinney Brownfields Program generally covers the area of the Town Center that has historically been used for industrial and commercial uses (e.g. McDonald Street corridor; areas east of McDonald Street, Tennessee/Kentucky Street corridor, etc.), although any approved site within the City of McKinney would be eligible to utilize the BCRLF.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
· If awarded, RLF grant funds will be received in FY 2015 .
· The grant will provide up to $1,000,000 on a reimbursable basis.
· Local match for the RLF grant is 20%. This match will be provided by those accessing BCRLF funds for cleanup of contaminated sites.
BOARD OR COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
· N/A