Brownfields Revitalization Fund – State Program

• Applicant’s site must be enrolled in the Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Limitation Program (BRELLA).  The application for that program can be found here; and
• Applicant site must have a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) approved by the Department of Environmental Conservation of the Agency of Natural Resources. Applicants may apply if their CAP is pending approval; however, remediation awards will not be issued to a site without an approved CAP; AND  
• Applicant must be a non-profit, for-profit, or municipality with a project site located in Vermont. State owned project sites are not eligible for funding at this time.    
• Applicant must generally be able to demonstrate the ability to meet a 10% match.

• Read through the Notice of Funding Opportunity guidelines (NOFO) & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) and have all documents and information ready when you open the application. 
• Applications should be completed and submitted by a designated person within the applicant organization who is familiar with the project scope, funding, and redevelopment and is authorized by the organization to make the request for funding and provide the required attestations.  
• Applicants will not be able to save progress if the form is closed before it is completed. Please be prepared to complete the form in its entirety. See application instructions.

What is a Brownfield?

A "Brownfield" is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the release or threatened release of a hazardous material. In Vermont, the remediation of these sites is generally regulated by the Agency of Natural Resources – Department of Environmental Conservation. Program requirements can be found here: https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/contaminated-sites/brownfields/BRELLA

Who is eligible to apply for a cleanup grant?

For-profit, non-profit and municipalities are eligible to apply. State owned sites are not eligible for funding at this time.

Can out of state applicants apply?

Out of state applicants can apply for project sites located in Vermont.

What is Brownfields Reuse and Environmental Liability Program (BRELLA)?

The environmental liability limitation program which provides a way out of the chain of liability allowing for redevelopment to proceed knowing that legal and financial risks have been addressed.

Where can I learn more about BRELLA?

You can learn more about BRELLA here: https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/contaminated-sites/brownfields/BRELLA

Does the site need to be enrolled in BRELLA?

Yes, the property must be enrolled in BRELLA to be eligible to receive an award.

What is a Corrective Action Plan (CAP)?

A CAP is a written plan developed to outline the process to “prevent and eliminate unacceptable risk to human health and the environment caused by the release of hazardous materials into the environment. A CAP must clearly communicate the basis and details of a proposed cleanup strategy.” There is more detailed information at this site: https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/contaminated-sites/brownfields/citizens

Does the site need an approved CAP to apply?

An applicant’s site must have an approved Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to get funded. Applicants may apply if their CAP is pending approval; however, awards will not be issued to a site without an approved CAP.

Who can draft a Corrective Action Plan (CAP)?

CAPs must be prepared by an “environmental professional,” defined as follows: “Environmental professional” means a person who possesses the following education, training, and experience: (A) A current professional engineer’s (with certification within relevant area of expertise) or professional geologist’s license or registration from a state, tribe or U.S. territory (or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) and the equivalent of 3 years of relevant fulltime experience; (B) A license or certification by the federal government, a state, tribe, or U.S. territory (or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico) to perform environmental site work equivalent to that required by this rule and have the equivalent of 3 years of relevant fulltime experience; (C) A baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a discipline of engineering, geology, hydrogeology, or an applicable science and the equivalent of 5 years of relevant fulltime experience; or (D) The equivalent of 10 years of relevant fulltime experience in a discipline of engineering, geology, hydrogeology, or an applicable science.

Can funding be used for other Brownfield related costs other than CAP implementation?

No. This funding cannot pay for environmental site assessments (Phase I or Phase II), planning, or Corrective Action Plan Development, at this time.

Where can an applicant request funding for environmental site assessments (Phase I or Phase II), planning, or Corrective Action Plan Development?

Applicants can contact their local Regional Planning Commission (RPC) for environmental site assessment, planning, or CAP development funding assistance. Contact details and coverage map for RPCs can be found here: https://www.vapda.org/. Applicants can also visit the Department of Environmental Conservation’s website for other Brownfield funding opportunities, https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/contaminated-sites/brownfields

Can funding be used for costs associated with hazardous building material abatement (ie lead and asbestos)?

Yes, if there are hazardous building material issues and brownfield contaminate issues that will be addressed via the approved CAP. However, as the primary focus of this funding is to cleanup of brownfields; priority will be given to applicants that can demonstrate that funding for abatement will significantly advance the redevelopment.

Can a CAP receive more than one award from this funding?

No, awards are limited to one per CAP.

Can applicants receive more than one award from this funding?

Yes, if an applicant has more than one brownfield site, they may apply for funding for each site.

Can an applicant apply for funding to cover a CAP that has already been completed?

No, retroactive funding will not be awarded from this program.

Can applicants secure an award from this funding and grants and loans from other available sources?

Yes, applicants may apply to this program as well as other programs to cover project costs. However, they cannot duplicate benefits.

What is the minimum grant amount?

There is no minimum grant amount.

What is the maximum grant amount?

Applicants may apply for up to 90% of the cost of implementing the approved CAP. Once awarded, if the actual costs of remediation are less than the estimates, the grantee may only draw 90% of the actual CAP expenditures and the award amount will be reduced.

What is the match requirement?

Applicants are required to provide a minimum of 10% of the cost of CAP implementation as match. The Commissioner of Economic Development may approve a waiver of the match requirement.

Do the requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act apply to the use of these funds? No, Davis-Bacon Act requirements do not apply to work supported with this funding. If the match component or other components are supported by other types of funding, grantees should ensure they are meeting the requirements of those funding sources.

Are these grants paid as a reimbursement?

Yes, grant funds will be disbursed as a reimbursement of expenditure when the applicant submits evidence of eligible work completion AND proof of payment. Exceptions can be made to provide a cash advance if the grantee is unable to pay for the eligible work and await reimbursement. Additional conditions will apply.

How does the application process work?

Applications are completed using an on-line form. A review team will consider the application and determine if a site visit and project presentation is warranted. In addition, the review team may request additional information, if needed, to analyze the remediation and redevelopment plan. Determinations on funding will be made on a rolling basis.

Can an applicant complete a partial application and come back to finish the application at a later date?

No, applicants must complete the online application form at one time. We suggest you print out the entire instructions so that you are aware of the questions and can prepare accordingly.

Who should complete the application for funding?

Applications should be completed and submitted by a designated person within the applicant organization who is familiar with the project scope, funding and redevelopment and is authorized by the organization to make the request for funding and provide the required attestations.

What is VT ANR Sites Management Section (SMS)?

The ANR Sites Management Section within Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation regulates the State remediation process. They maintain a variety of resources and guidance to assist in the characterization and remediation of contaminated properties. For more information: https://dec.vermont.gov/waste-management/contaminated-sites/brownfields

Where do I find my SMS number?

Applicants find their SMS number (ID/site number) online at: https://anrweb.vt.gov/DEC/ERT/Default.aspx

How will projects be evaluated to receive awards?

In addition to the considerations outlined within 10 V.S.A. § 6654 https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/10/159/06654; grant applications will be evaluated based on the project merits.

All applications shall include, at a minimum:

• Statement of Need: Describing the need this project will address. Include data to demonstrate the need and cite the source of the data.
• Population Served: Including number and demographic characteristics of those served.
• Results: Including a description of the measurable proposed impacts of the project, with at least 3 performance measures that will be tracked and reported. Wherever possible, include baselines and goals for each performance measure.
• Budge: Including all proposed project funding by sources and uses.
• Special Considerations: Describing any other information that might assist the State in its selection.

Furthermore, projects will be prioritized as follows:

• Projects that have an approved Corrective Action Plan.
• Projects that have demonstrated re-use opportunities with itemized impacts.
• Projects in which an award from this program will fill a funding gap that allows the project to move forward or to completion.

Note: Only projects with complete applications that meet all eligility criteria will be considered.

Questions?

Email accd.brownfieldsteam@vermont.gov.

The Brownfields Revitalization Fund is used to fund clean-up projects at brownfield sites that can show transformational economic development outcomes. These are the awards that have been made to date:

Cornerstone Housing Partners

• Location: Rutland, Rutland Co
• Award: $596,205.00
• Purpose: Convert existing structures and develop vacant property into housing units.
• Anticipated outputs: Preserves 9 affordable units while creating 14 new affordable units across multiple sites.  1.11 acres remediated

Caledonia Food Cooperative, Inc.

• Location: St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Co
• Award: $73,897.00
• Purpose: Redevelopment of a former pharmacy into a locally owned food cooperative grocery store. 
• Anticipated outputs: Will repurpose an unused building in the downtown and create 31 jobs. 0.74 acres remediated.

South Brownell Corner LLC

• Location: Williston, Chittenden Co
• Award: $72,000.00
• Purpose: Development of a vacant lot into mixed use commercial/health care space and housing units.
• Anticipated outputs: Will bring 9 housing units online with half targeting the “missing middle,” and will create 10 jobs. 0.71 acres remediated.

Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District

• Location: Montpelier, Washington Co
• Award: $63,000.00
• Purpose: Redevelopment of an unused property into a specialized facility to manage landfill-banned and dangerous waste materials.
• Anticipated outputs: Will create 3 jobs and, by relocating the administrative offices, create 2 housing units.
   

JMS 757 MAIN LLC

• Location: Bennington, Bennington Co
• Award: $1,209,415.50
• Purpose: Rehabilitation of a former mill/machine shop that will create additional housing units.
• Anticipated outputs: Will bring 30 housing units online with half targeting the “missing middle,” including employees of area businesses with the anticipation of filling 75 job vacancies. 1.37 acres remediated.

Center & Wales LLC

• Location: Rutland, Rutland Co
• Award: $1,500,000
• Purpose: Construction of an infill, mixed-use building combining both housing units and a hotel on a site devasted by a fire more than 50 years ago.
• Anticipated outputs: Will bring 26 much-needed housing units online while helping to continue revitalization efforts in Rutland’s downtown by adding 100 hotel rooms, which will create 25 jobs.  0.89 acres remediated.

The Center for Cartoon Studies, Inc.

• Location: Hartford, Windsor Co
• Award: $624,550.00
• Purpose: Repurpose historic building to house classrooms, art exhibitions, and a bookstore.
• Anticipated outputs: Expansion of programming and spaces to showcase art that will create 2 jobs.  1.0 acres remediated.

Northfield Development Main LLC

• Location: Northfield, Washington Co
• Award: $94,500
• Purpose: Construct a 25-unit apartment building on a vacant lot in Northfield’s downtown.
• Anticipated outputs: Development of a 25-unit, fully accessible apartment building that will bring a vacant lot back into use while addressing the housing shortage.  1.1 acres will be mitigated.

Benn High Cornerstone Inc

• Location: Bennington, Bennington Co
• Award: $1,500,000
• Purpose: Convert a former high school into a mix of uses, including residential units.  This is 10,000 sq. ft. building that has been vacant for more than 20 years and represents a $40,000,000 public/private partnership that is expected to increase the Grand List significantly.
• Anticipated outputs: Development of a vacant building into 39 housing units as well as spaces for commercial ventures, the Bennington Senior Center, Meals on Wheels programs, and a childcare center anticipating 27 jobs will be created.  2.29 acres will be mitigated.

Housing Trust of Rutland County

• Location: West Rutland, Rutland Co
• Award: $600,000
• Purpose: Demolish existing vacant structures to make room for construction of mixed income, multi-family residential units.
• Anticipated outputs: Remove 3 existing vacant buildings, combine 3 parcels, and construct a new 3 story, 24-unit multi-family building, with 5 units set aside for those at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness.  1.1 acres will be mitigated.

Gilman Housing Trust; Newport Crossing 2022 LLC

• Location: Newport, Orleans Co
• Award: $278,006
• Purpose: Demolish potentially unsafe housing units to make room for new housing construction.
• Anticipated outputs: Remove blighted properties to construct new affordable housing units, resulting in 14 additional housing units.  .86 acres will be mitigated.

Catamount Film & Arts Co.

• Location: St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Co
• Award: $581,368.50
• Purpose: Reopen a shuttered 10,000 sq ft venue and repurpose historic structures into a creative arts hub.
• Anticipated outputs: Resumption of programming with the return of 22 employees and the expansion of programs that will create an additional 30 jobs. 1.57 acres remediated.

Gilman Housing Trust

• Location: Newport, Orleans Co
• Award: $32,562
• Purpose: Transformation of a disused campus.
• Anticipated outputs: 50 units of housing. 8.4 acres remediated.  Reused infrastructure.

Sustainable Forest Futures, Inc

• Location: St. Johnsbury, Caledonia Co
• Award: $244,800
• Purpose: Adaptive reuse of historic structure.
• Anticipated outputs: 9 units of housing, commercial/community spaces, .31 acres remediated, and reused infrastructure.

Windham & Windsor Housing Trust

• Location: Windsor, Windsor Co
• Award: $625,000
• Purpose: Redevelopment of a vacant site in the designated downtown.
• Anticipated outputs: 25 units of housing and .82 acres mitigated. Infrastructure improvements.

Town of Hardwick

• Location: Hardwick, Caledonia County
• Award: $1,236,574
• Purpose: Redevelopment of a former automotive repair station
• Anticipated outputs: 25 full-time employees.  Reused infrastructure, on a site vacant.  4.7 acres mitigated. 

Turning Point Center

• Location: Barre, Washington County
• Award: $566,433
• Purpose: Relocation and expansion of services for those suffering from substance abuse disorder
• Anticipated outputs: 4 full-time employees.  Reused infrastructure.  Expanded programming.  .4 acres mitigated. 

Champlain Housing Trust

• Location: Burlington, Chittenden County
• Award: $1,052,692
• Purpose: Post Apartments redevelopment; a mixed-use commercial/community and housing project.
• Anticipated outputs: 13 full-time employees.  Reused infrastructure.  .58 acres remediated. 38 units of housing.

Golden Junk, LLC

• Location: Winooski, Chittenden County
• Award: $283,547.70
• Purpose: Redevelopment of a former automotive repair station
• Anticipated outputs: 10 full-time employees.  Reused infrastructure, on a site vacant since 2015. .2 acres mitigated. 2 units of housing. 

512 Main, LLC

• Location: Fairlee, Orange County
• Award: $16,785
• Purpose: Redevelopment of a blighted vacant gas station 
• Anticipated outputs: 5 full-time employees. Reused infrastructure, on a site vacant since 2013. .2 acres remediated.

Vermont Farmers Market Education Center, Inc.

• Location: Rutland City, Rutland County
• Award: $800,000
• Purpose: Redevelopment of Farmer’s Hall, a 14,750-square foot, vacant commercial space 
• Anticipated outputs: 21 full-time employees. Reused infrastructure, on a vacant site. 2.93 acres mitigated.

Town of St. Johnsbury

• Location: St. Johnsbury, Caledonia County
• Award: $1,200,000
• Purpose: Redevelopment of the 16,700 sqft former armory building 
• Anticipated outputs: 2 full time employees. Reused infrastructure, on a site vacant since 2009. 1.6 acres mitigated.

City of St. Albans

• Location: St. Albans, Franklin County 
• Award: $793,360.80
• Purpose: Redevelopment of a contaminated parking lot for housing
• Anticipated outputs: 72 units of housing, 0.97 acres mitigated. 

Lamoille Build, LLC

• Location: Cambridge, Lamoille County 
• Award: $441,234
• Purpose: Redevelopment of the former Jeffersonville Granary, a vacant commercial site.
• Anticipated outputs: Revitalization of the property as a vibrant hub for local food businesses and renewing the property’s agricultural legacy; 8 jobs, 1.79 acres remediated.

561 – 567 North Main Street, LLC

• Location: Barre, Washington County 
• Award: $38,107.80
• Purpose: Redevelopment of a vacant commercial/residential site.
• Anticipated outputs: 5 jobs, 1 unit of housing.

Evernorth & Champlain Housing Trust

• Location: Colchester, Chittenden County 
• Award: $1,500,000
• Purpose: Redevelopment of former St. Michael’s dormitories.    
• Anticipated outputs: 64 residential units, reused infrastructure, remediation of a 3.17 acres site.

Little Rivers Health Care 

• Location: Newbury, Orange County 
• Award: $120,553 
• Purpose: Redevelopment of a vacant former gas station into a dental clinic.   
• Anticipated outputs: Expanded use, 11 jobs, reused infrastructure on a 0.36 acres site. Access to dental health services for an area previously not served.

2 Franklin Park West, LLC 

• Location: St. Albans, Franklin County 
• Award: $68,000 
• Purpose: Redevelopment/expanded use for current auto repair and showroom. BRE for automotive dealership. 
• Anticipated outputs: Expanded use, 8-10 jobs, 14.88 acres site. 

Sam’s Properties, LLC 

• Location: Hartford, Windsor County 
• Award: $49,680 
• Purpose: Redevelopment/reuse of vacant garage for commercial occupancy. BRE for MDL Electric inclusive of office and warehousing space for the company. 
• Anticipated outputs: Redeploy building vacant since 2010, 6 net new jobs, reused infrastructure, and 0.43 acres remediated.

Burlington City Arts Foundation, Inc. 

• Location: Burlington, Chittenden County 
• Award: $768,447 
• Purpose: Expansion of Burlington City Arts facility and programming; expand cultural and economic opportunities, as well as indoor and outdoor community gathering space. 
• Anticipated outputs: 3.5 full time employees, 2.19 acres mitigated, and reused infrastructure. 

WillJohn Properties, LLC 

• Location: Hartford, Windsor County 
• Award: $31,311 
• Purpose: Low-income housing - 2 units; cosmetic and code improvements to ensure residential units don't revert to commercial use. 
• Anticipated outputs: Retention of 2 low-income housing units. Mitigation of 0.4 acres. 

Gilman Housing Trust, Inc. 

• Location: St. Johnsbury, Caledonia County 
• Award: $676,846.03
• Purpose: Infill development of a fire destroyed site. 
• Anticipated outputs: Redevelopment of a vacant/blighted site idle since 2009. 30 residential units, 0.375 acres mitigated, public pocket park. Equity impacts: Senior population and wrap around services availed at site. Construction work will be contracted to section 3 employers/employees; prioritized to local, low-income, women, and/or graduates of St. Johnsbury Academy construction technology program. 

Black River Crossing, LLC 

• Location: Springfield, Windsor County 
• Award: $133,763.40 
• Purpose: Ensure that the buildings at 23-25 & 27-31 Main St. & 7-9 Park St. can continue to house residential and commercial tenants.   
• Anticipated outputs: Renovated structures will expand commercial and residential use. FTE 10-35 new jobs across commercial spaces, 2-5 residential units, 0.2 acres mitigated, reused infrastructure. 

Southern Vermont Health & Recreation Center Foundation, Inc. 

• Location: Springfield, Windsor County 
• Award: $1,323,305 
• Purpose: Redevelopment phases 2 & 3 to reuse of the foundry building; a 20,000 sqft portion of the former J&L Plant - building #4 and construction of a new 10,000 sqft space to connect two buildings to expand Edgar May Health & Rec - child care, group exercise, multipurpose space, lifestyle medicine office and indoor rock climbing and walking track, and basketball court. 
• Anticipated outputs: 15 FTEs, 0.2 acres mitigated. Expanded community service offerings. 

Springfield Regional Development Corporation 

• Location: Springfield, Windsor County 
• Award: $1,234,810.80 
• Purpose: Redevelopment/adaptive reuse of Park Street School building/site. 
• Anticipated outputs: 24 housing units, 155 jobs, 5.6 acres mitigated. 

UVLLC 

• Location: Weathersfield, Windsor County 
• Award: $31,730.40 
• Purpose: Redevelopment/reuse of vacant garage for commercial occupancy. BRE for a landscaping company. 
• Anticipated outputs: Redeploy building vacant since 2010, 6 net new jobs, reused infrastructure, 0.1 acres remediated. 

Coop Hill, LLC 

• Location: Brattleboro, Windham County 
• Award: $117,990 
• Purpose: Expansion for Hidden Springs Maple; redevelopment of site includes new construction of a processing and shipping facility on the undeveloped portion of the site. 
• Anticipated outputs: Current facility will become warehousing for bulk syrup and packaging storage. 12 full time employees and 4.21 acres mitigated. 

Charest Alpinism, LLC 

• Location: Burlington, Chittenden County 
• Award: $264,641 
• Purpose: Petra Cliffs expansion; construction of a new 13,000 sqft facility. 
• Anticipated outputs: 59 full time employees. Operator will provide educational opportunities including discounts, scholarships and free experiences to underserved and underrepresented communities, and expand youth summer camps and service to local educational institutions. Acres remediated 1.684. 

Nedde Pine, LLC 

• Location: Burlington, Chittenden County 
• Award: $45,000 
• Purpose: Construction of 49-unit/9 story housing development in the designated downtown. 
• Anticipated outputs: 49 units of housing (10 affordable and 2 for those who have experienced homelessness), 36 full time employees, solar array, storm water catchment chambers, and electric vehicle charging stations on 0.125 acres site. 

Lineage Realty Group, LLC 

• Location: Montpelier, Washington County 
• Award: $108,000 
• Purpose: Increase capacity/production for Caledonia Spirits (CS) distillery (current facility has a 350 person capacity with parking for 150); 22 parking spaces and green space will increase access to CS, local trail system and Winooski River. Campus build-out. 
• Anticipated outputs: 18 full time employees, reused water, wastewater, roadway and trails infrastructure. Support a travel & hospitality business/Increase CS ability to support charitable donations. Reuse of 0.28 acres vacant site. 

City of Winooski 

• Location: Winooski, Chittenden County 
• Award: $809,927.10 
• Purpose: Construction of a municipally owned 3 level parking garage, topped by 84 units of housing, 115-unit hotel, restaurant, cafe, meeting space on vacant site in a developed portion of Winooski's designated downtown. 
• Anticipated outputs: 84 units of housing, 115-unit hotel to support travel/tourism/hospitality sector, 160 jobs, 0.895 acres mitigated. 

Community Development Support Inc. 

• Location: Brattleboro, Windham County 
• Award: $142,843.50 
• Purpose: Redevelopment/adaptive reuse and expansion of vacant/blighted 47 Flat Street property. 
• Anticipated outputs: First floor shared office space (BDCC & SBDC), 19 net new affordable housing units - 9 of which with project-based vouchers from VT State Housing Authority, community park, 0.29 acres remediated. 

Heineberg Properties, LLC 

• Location: Colchester, Chittenden County 
• Award: $323,198 
• Purpose: Redevelopment of vacant former dry cleaner site to create new storage units and solar array. 
• Anticipated outputs: Significantly contaminated property in a mixed-use area. Human, health and safety threats will be mitigated as contamination plume will migrate off-site. Supports Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy energy goals. Two full-time employees and 1.53 acres remediated. 

Windham & Windsor Housing Trust 

• Location: Rockingham, Windham County 
• Award: $202,872 
• Purpose: Redevelopment of a blighted downtown building as part of the active revitalization effort. 
• Anticipated outputs: 27 units of affordable housing; ADA access and parking as required. Decrease homelessness with 5 units intended to serve this specific population. Acres remediated 0.22. 

157 South Champlain Street, LLC 

• Location: Burlington, Chittenden County 
• Award: $338,814 
• Purpose: Work to infill redevelopment of a 0.25 acres blighted site that has been vacant for decades. 
• Anticipated outputs: 48 units of housing (10 affordable/38 market rate) meeting Burlington and Efficiency VT energy standards; will include car share and EV parking spots. 

Connor Brothers Redevelopment Company, LLC 

• Location: Montpelier, Washington County 
• Award: $400,000 
• Purpose: Redevelopment of a vacant 15,000 sqft former granite shed. 
• Anticipated outputs: Lease agreement with the new tenant being finalized; 12 full time employees. Reused infrastructure, water, sewer, power and roadways. 1.6 acres mitigated.