Sens. Van Hollen, Cardin Announce $200,000 for Contaminated Site Cleanup in Baltimore

WASHINGTON, June 14 -- The office of Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., issued the following news release:

Today U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded a $200,000 grant to the City of Baltimore to clean up contaminated properties.

"Creating economic opportunity and jobs in Baltimore is an urgent priority, and this funding will give critical assistance to the communities that need it the most," said Senator Van Hollen. "Cleaning up contaminated properties is a win-win for Baltimore - less pollution and more economic opportunity are a recipe for a brighter future."

"Rampant pollution and contaminated lands aren't only bad for our environment - they're bad for public health," said Senator Cardin, a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee. "This federal investment represents an important step toward protecting Maryland families, all while having the added benefit of creating new cleanup jobs and preparing land for new homes and businesses."

The EPA brownfields assessment grant will allow Baltimore to conduct environmental assessments on and prepare cleanup plans for contaminated properties throughout the city. Grant funds also will be used to support community outreach activities.

This funding will empower the city to assess and clean up brownfields sites as initial steps towards redeveloping vacant and underutilized properties. The assessment and cleanup of brownfields sites improves safety and cleans the environment while leading to property redevelopment and job creation.

The program will target neighborhoods where environmental assessment, cleanup, and new jobs are most needed in the city.