Eldora, IA: In 2023, the City of Eldora received a $400,000 Brownfields Community-Wide Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These funds will aid the City in assessing environmental conditions at underutilized properties and develop an area-wide plan for redevelopment led by community input. The City selected Impact7G as their qualified environmental consultant to assist with implementation of the grant.
"This Brownfields Community-Wide Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be life-changing for Eldora. This grant will help our small rural community address brownfield sites, while we do the necessary planning that will help us build a resilient community,” stated Aaron Budweg, Eldora City Administrator, upon being awarded the grant.
According to the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act, a brownfield is "real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant." Brownfields development aims to repurpose underutilized land into safe and productive spaces, elevating the community and bettering the quality of life for residents. These repurposed sites often act as a starting point for many more redevelopment projects in a small area and can be a catalyst for change in a community. Brownfield grants help communities by investing in communities, helping local leaders transform brownfields sites into community assets, and creating jobs within the community.
An open house event will be held on Wednesday, June 19 from 4-6PM at the Eldora Public Library located at 1202 10th St. The public is invited to survey current projects, propose additional revitalization opportunities, and engage in future redevelopment ideas. Light food and refreshments will be served.
In addition to the Open House, the City of Eldora will be promoting the program at Pine Lake Festival in July. Additional information about the program as well as contact information can be found at the Eldora Brownfields website: www.eldorabrownfields.com.