October 31, 2006

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that funds have been awarded to a brownfield redevelopment project in the village of Port Hope in Huron County. The funding includes a $750,000 Brownfield Redevelopment Loan to address environmental and health concerns and facilitate the reuse of nine individual parcels located near the shore of Lake Huron.

The Port Hope Redevelopment Project is located on 24 acres adjacent to the downtown area. The past use of these parcels includes a wastewater treatment plant, grain elevator, tannery, a train depot area, and a bulk petroleum distribution center. The funding announced today was awarded as a part of Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's Jobs Today/Jobs Tomorrow Initiative, and will be used to conduct investigation, clean-up, and due care activities on the properties.

"This project is an example of the type of innovative redevelopment of our cities that is critical to Michigan's environmental and economic progress," Governor Granholm said. "We will continue to give Michigan's cities the tools they need to make their communities places where people are eager to work, live, and raise families."

Private investment of $19,000,000 is anticipated for acquisition of the property, new construction, and infrastructure improvements. This redevelopment has the potential to create 25 full-time jobs in a village of approximately 300 residents and is consistent with the Village's Master Plan for Waterfront Development. The new use for the properties will be residential units near the lakeshore, and commercial units near the downtown corridor.

"We are pleased to partner with Port Hope on this project that will provide tremendous opportunity for the community," said Director Chester. "This project is a great step forward for Port Hope, and demonstrates our commitment to providing for a healthy environment and a healthy economy throughout Michigan."

The Brownfield Redevelopment Grant and Loan Program provides funding to local units of government for environmental response activities on brownfield properties where redevelopment is likely or 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 $129 million for 303 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 October 31, 2006 by Linda Crawford for Pat Watson