Niagara County has received another $1 million from the Environmental Protection Agency funds toward brownfield cleanup efforts.
The funds, distributed through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will go toward the county’s Revolving Loan Fund, which has had its funds depleted. Highlighted projects these funds would help include the F&M Building at 116 Maine St. in Lockport and 401 10th St. in Niagara Falls.
This fund has already distributed more than $12.3 million for 21 cleanup projects across Niagara County that are either completed or in progress. Efforts that received funding in the past include 6200 Niagara Falls Boulevard, a former Cambria junkyard, vacant office and industrial buildings in Niagara, and 600 River Road and 211 Main St. in North Tonawanda.
“By supporting local efforts to clean up and revitalize contaminated sites, we’re helping to create healthier neighborhoods, spur economic development, and deliver lasting opportunities for all,” said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. “This funding empowers our partners to turn challenges into progress, making New York a stronger, greener, and more resilient place for generations to come.”
This announcement was part of more than $14 million awarded to 13 communities across New York State working on brownfield cleanups, ranging from the Shinnecock Indian Nation on Long Island to Jamestown, to New York City. In total, 190 communities nationwide would receive funds for this cycle.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, approved during the Biden administration, has invested more than $1.5 billion in the EPA’s brownfields program and other public infrastructure projects.
“This support will make our communities healthier and cleaner, all while creating good-paying jobs and new development opportunities that enhance local tax rolls,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer. “The Brownfields program has had a tremendous success in transforming sites like these into areas of new growth and will supercharge cleanup and redevelopment efforts at lots in every corner of New York.”