December 19, 2006

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven E. Chester announced today that funds have been awarded to a brownfield redevelopment project in Oceana County. The cleanup project will utilize a $178,635 grant to address environmental concerns and facilitate the development of a contaminated property in the city of Hart.

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 will result in investment of over $2.7 million in downtown Hart.

"This partnership within the Hart community represents a real investment in the health of their environment and economy," Granholm said. "We will continue to give Michigan's cities the tools they need to make their communities places where people are eager to live, work, and raise families."

The Lake Point Elderly development will improve a contaminated lakefront property and create a residential area for senior citizens. The downtown property was used as a fuel storage area by the Oceana Electric Cooperative until the 1980s, and subsequently as office space and storage. The grant will be used to demolish a small building on the site and remove contaminated soil and groundwater resulting from underground storage tanks operated by the electric cooperative.

Following this work, private investment of over $2.7 million is anticipated for construction of moderately-priced apartments for senior citizens. The development is within walking distance of several downtown businesses and health care facilities.

"We are pleased to help remove the barriers that stand in the way of redevelopment, and create new opportunities for the Hart community," said Director Chester. "This project is a part of 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 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 $132 million for 307 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"