NACo testifies before Congress on brownfields revitalization

Key Takeaways

On May 7, Oswego County, N.Y. Clerk Terry Wilbur testified on behalf of NACo before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment at a hearing titled “Cleaning Up the Past, Building the Future: The Brownfields Program”. During his testimony, Clerk Wilbur shared examples of the redevelopment work in Oswego County funded by the Brownfields program and noted the importance of reauthorization to ensure counties continue to have access to this highly effective federal program. 

During the hearing, Clerk Wilbur emphasized to Chairman Mike Collins(R-Ga.), Ranking Member Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.), and other subcommittee members that “Counties recognize the Brownfields Program as a vital component of the intergovernmental partnership to drive economic development, address environmental concerns and protect public health”. 

Brownfields sites are typically abandoned or underutilized properties, often exposed to hazardous substances or contaminants. The bipartisan EPA Brownfields Program is a highly successful and effective federal program that helps counties redevelop underutilized, contaminated sites to reinvigorate entire communities and their economies. 

NACo continues to advocate for the reauthorization of the EPA Brownfields Program along with increasing both funding levels and the administrative cap for the program grants. 

His testimony can be viewed here.