December 2, 2005

The Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation are jointly hosting six workshops to provide information on Michigan's financial assistance and economic incentives associated with the redevelopment of brownfield properties in Michigan. The workshops are being held in Marquette on January 10, Gaylord on January 12, Clinton Township on January 18, Romulus on January 19, Kalamazoo on January 26, and Lansing on January 31.

Brownfields are abandoned, idle, or under used industrial and commercial properties, often in urban areas where expansion or redevelopment is hindered or complicated by real or perceived environmental conditions. The revitalization of brownfields is critically important to Michigan cities and the reuse of our brownfields makes sense economically and environmentally.

The workshops will provide valuable information regarding brownfield redevelopment by walking through a hypothetical project and discussing what is required to successfully redevelop a brownfield property. Various financial incentives that are available for brownfield sites will be explored.

The target audience for these workshops consists of Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities, local governments, economic development staff, environmental consultants, developers, attorneys, and other interested groups.

The registration fee of $25 includes refreshments, lunch, and workshop materials. Register online at www.michigan.gov/deqworkshops (click on “Upcoming Workshops”). For registration information, contact the Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278, or e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.

Editor’s note: DEQ news releases are available on the department’s Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

“Protecting Michigan’s Environment, Ensuring Michigan’s Future”

Revised December 2, 2005 by Pat Watson