The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) have announced the 2010 Brownfield Redevelopment Workshops to be held at four locations throughout the state during May and June.  Each of the four workshops will have a unique focus; however, all are intended to provide a better understanding of brownfield redevelopment in Michigan.

The first workshop, An In-Depth Review of Brownfield Redevelopment, will be held on May 3 in Mount Pleasant.  This session will cover a wide range of brownfield redevelopment topics and is designed for all experience levels. 

The second workshop, Advanced Topics in Brownfield Administration, will be held on May 4 in Livonia.  This session is geared specifically toward experienced officials responsible for administering their communities' brownfield programs.  Local government officials and Baseline Risk Assessment (BRA) board members are welcome to attend this session.

The third workshop, Brownfield Basics, will be held on the evening of May 12 in Kalamazoo.  This workshop is designed for the beginner, including new and existing BRA board members and local government officials. 

Putting It All Together is the fourth and final workshop, and will be held on June 23 in Escanaba.  This workshop is designed for all experience levels.  Local government officials, BRA board members, environmental consultants, attorneys, practitioners, and all others interested in brownfield redevelopment are welcome to attend this session.

All workshops will feature presentations from the MEDC and DNRE brownfield programs that will include state agency program updates as well as discussion of policies, applications, instructions, guidance documents, templates, and other important information related to brownfield redevelopment in Michigan.  In addition, there will be special presentations on what it means to be a public developer, statutory requirements for BRA board members, financing brownfield projects in today's economy, and how to maximize the various state brownfield incentives.

Registration can be done on-line at www.michigan.gov/dnreworkshops(click on "Upcoming DNRE Workshops").  For registration information, contact the Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278, or e-mail at deq-ead-env-assist@michigan.gov.  Workshop specific questions can be directed to Carrie Geyer at 517-335-6871, or e-mail at geyerc1@michigan.gov.

The DNRE is committed to conserve, manage, protect, and promote accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environmental, natural resource, and related economic interests for current and future generations.