Revitalization of the urban environment is a complex problem. Realizing the rebirth of urban areas requires solutions designed to attract new business, retain jobs, build a stronger tax base, and make our cities attractive places to live and work. Bringing about this rebirth requires cooperation among all of the stakeholders -- citizens, governments, businesses, and lending institutions -- as they struggle to solve problems with limited resources.

Historical contamination resulting from decades of industry and manufacturing has resulted in one of the greatest challenges to the redevelopment of urban areas. The Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, provides the broadest set of tools in the nation to help state government, local governments, and private developers return these sites to productive use. Among Michigan's innovative approaches to site reuse are the grant and loan programs offered by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for investigation and remediation of contaminated property. Funds are targeted to projects that promote economic development and reuse of the property.

Purchasers and sellers of contaminated properties are protected from liability for redevelopment of contaminated sites, provided certain steps required by Act 451 are fulfilled. Data collected using a Site Reclamation Program or Site Assessment Fund grant or a Revitalization Loan may be used in a Baseline Environmental Assessment (BEA), which can provide new owners protection from liability for pre-existing environmental conditions at the site.