The Department of Environmental Quality announced today that an $849,275 Brownfield Redevelopment Grant and a $280,025 Brownfield Redevelopment Loan have been awarded to the city of Cadillac for the Chemical Bank Project to be located at the former Harris Milling site.

The project is located at the southern gateway into Cadillac's downtown area and is expected to have a dramatic impact on the revitalization of downtown Cadillac. Money from the DEQ's Brownfield Redevelopment Grant and Loan Program will be used to perform environmental investigation and cleanup activities on the property, helping to facilitate the redevelopment.

"Michigan's brownfield redevelopment program is one of the most successful tools we have to bring unused and contaminated properties back to life," said DEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "Though funding for these types of projects is nearly exhausted, this award will provide a boost to Cadillac's economy, while ensuring that the public health and environment are protected."

Chemical Bank is planning to relocate its current downtown Cadillac operation to a new 5,000-square foot facility. The construction and expansion of the new bank building is expected to leverage $1 million in private investment and expand jobs at the new location.

The Brownfield Redevelopment Grant and Loan Program provides funding to local units of government for environmental response activities on brownfield properties where redevelopment is proposed. The program has been primarily funded by voter approved bonds passed in 1988 and 1998, however the last of the bond money will be exhausted by the end of 2008, necessitating that a new funding source be identified to ensure projects such as these can continue beyond this year.

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 29, 2008 by Pat Watson