Portland Receives Funding from State to Revitalize CT Brownfields

HARTFORD, CT- Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced that the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is providing $7.9 million in grants to 14 towns and cities across the state for brownfield remediation and assessment activities. The projects comprise 187 acres of redevelopment.

“Putting brownfield sites back to productive use is an economic win-win for the environment and our economy," Malloy said in a release. "The funding announced today will be a great benefit for municipalities as they begin the process of turning these contaminated properties into economic opportunities."

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Since 2011, the Malloy administration has allocated more than $173 million in state funding for brownfield remediation and redevelopment in the form of loans and grants to municipalities and developers. For every dollar invested by the state, $5.45 has been or will be invested by non-state partners. Connecticut has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of the most active and innovative states nationwide in the remediation and redevelopment of brownfields. With this new round of projects, Governor Malloy has invested in brownfield projects in 60 different municipalities across Connecticut.

“Under the leadership of Governor Malloy we continue to invest in brownfield redevelopment projects throughout the state,” said DECD Commissioner Catherine Smith. “These strategic investments are a big reason why Connecticut is a national leader in the cleanup and assessment of contaminated sites.”

Portland will receive $750,000 grant to "remediate three vacant former industrial parcels immediately adjacent to the Brownstone Exploration and Discovery Park."

Remediation will enable expanded parking for the park, public access to the riverfront and the development of a restaurant and visitors center. They are located at 222, 230 and 248 Brownstone Avenue.

“Governor Malloy has made Connecticut a national leader in brownfield redevelopment, and the projects funded in this round are good examples of the broad impact brownfield redevelopment can have on our communities,” said DECD Deputy Commissioner Tim Sullivan. “Whether it is helping businesses expand, developing energy projects, increasing the supply of affordable housing, creating new recreational opportunities, or supporting the arts and tourism, brownfield redevelopment is making a significant difference to Connecticut’s future.”