May 4, 2006

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm joined Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester today to announce that funds have been awarded to a brownfield redevelopment project in the city of Ludington in Mason County. The $100,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant will be used to address environmental concerns and facilitate development of a 37-acre property.

The funding was awarded as a part of Governor Granholm’s Jobs Today Initiative that will put thousands of Michigan residents to work through acceleration of construction and development projects. The project announced today is anticipated to create 10-20 new permanent jobs in Ludington, along with 100 construction jobs for a period of nine years.

"Our comprehensive economic plan is putting people to work, and creating new possibilities for Michigan’s citizens," Granholm said. "Michigan's cities need as many tools as possible to make their communities places where people are eager to work, live, and raise families."

The Bryant Woods project will return a contaminated former landfill and adjacent area to productive use. Grant funds will be used to address lead contamination resulting from the unauthorized residential dumping, while the city of Ludington will use taxes generated by the new development to excavate and remove waste in the 5-acre former municipal landfill.

Following this work, private investment of over $24 million is anticipated for acquisition of the property and construction of 164 multi-family residences, 18 single-family homes, and two commercial buildings under a planned unit development. About one-quarter of the 37-acre property will remain wooded.

“Michigan’s brownfield program removes the financial barrier that too often prevents communities from redeveloping contaminated land,” said Director Chester. “We are creating new opportunities for Ludington, and demonstrating our commitment to providing for a healthy environment and a healthy economy throughout Michigan.”

The Brownfield Redevelopment Program provides funding to local governments for environmental response activities on brownfield properties where redevelopment is proposed. Brownfield properties are vacant or abandoned properties with known or suspected environmental contamination. The Brownfield Redevelopment Grant and Loan Program was initiated in 1988, and has provided over $123.7 million for 298 projects statewide.

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 May 4, 2006 by Pat Watson