November 15, 2006

The Department of Environmental Quality announced today that it has awarded a $249,750 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant to the Lansing Economic Development Corporation to facilitate the reuse of a contaminated and abandoned warehouse to serve as the new location for the Lansing office of Habitat for Humanity.

The one-acre site located in Old Town is a former warehouse previously used by plumbing and heating contractors. A preliminary environmental evaluation has identified areas of contaminated soils that must be removed in order to make the property safe for reuse and to protect the environment from contaminants associated with previous activities at the site. The funding announced today will be used to conduct an in-depth investigation and to perform the necessary activities to remediate and reuse the site.

"This project represents the type of cooperative effort that is truly making a difference in cities across Michigan," Governor Granholm said. "We will continue to give our cities the tools they need to make their communities places where people are eager to work, live, and raise families."

Habitat for Humanity has built 62 homes in Lansing since 1987. This grant will allow the organization to expand its current operations at the new site, increase their staff, and create more room for the operation of their home improvement resale store, the ReStore. This expansion will give the nonprofit organization the ability to provide more homes each year to families in need.

In addition to the grant-related activities, an investment of over $540,000 in private funds is anticipated in the redevelopment of this property. The proposed redevelopment will incorporate environmentally responsible building and development practices including the use of energy efficient electrical and mechanical systems within the structure and the use of porous pavement and new storm water infrastructure that will result in reducing the amount of storm water runoff from the site.

"This project will address environmental concerns while helping a tremendous community driven organization expand its operations here in Lansing," said DEQ Director, Steven E. Chester. "The DEQ is committed to assisting communities transform abandoned properties into clean, vibrant new developments."

The Brownfield Redevelopment Grant and Loan Program was initiated in 1988 and has provided over $132 million for 308 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 November 15, 2006 by Pat Watson