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this appears to be a significant need in the region, the brownfields proj ect will seek to target at least on site for the creation of greenspace and recreational facilities. Redevelopment strategies will include the development of green belts, parks, native landscaping and the elimination of trash and rubble that are traditionally found in these neighborhoods. Such areas are normally havens for rats and snakes as well as breeding grounds for mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus and other insects. . - - -.-- -.-.---..... .-.- The development of the greenspace would be coordinated with a community-lead volunteer effort and long-tenn maintenance would be established as a joint effort between . .. -oomm-unit-y-ve-l -unt-eer-s-anà-tbe-leeal-gev-emm ent.!s-par-ks-and -reereat-i "ðn-st-aff-:- -Ad-ditional- funding may be sought from state agencies and private foundations to further develop/expand the greenspace community project. F. Community Involvement In preparing this application A TCOG has contacted a broad range of community groups, churches and ministerial alliances, civic groups, chambers of commerce and other stakeholder organizations from across all 10 counties in the region. In addition, A TCOG held a public meeting on November 8, 2004, to discuss the impact of bro\-vnfields on the community and this EP A application. If funded, A TCOG will build on these relationships in implementing the brownfields program. Key to A TCOG's community involvement strategy is a partnership with the Greater Texarkana RSVP, a seniors-based volunteer organization that has implemented environmental programs in the region. This organization will spearhead community participation in the project by organizing community meetings, gathering input from stakeholder organizations and disseminating proj ect information. A TCOG will also issue public announcements and press releases regarding project activities, distribute information to local and state government officials, and publish a project web site that describes the project's purpose, activities and accomplishments. The City of Texarkana also has a government access channel on the local cable television company that will be utilized to inform the public about project activities and meetings. Community input will be sought through these means during the course of the project's implementation to establish redevelopment priorities, select sites for environmental assessment activities and author redevelopment/reuse plans, Community involvement efforts will intensify in the communities surrounding selected brownfield sites. ATCOG will establish a citizens' advisory task force for each selected site to provide more in-depth input and guidance in implementing the project tasks related to the site. Task force members will be selected from residents, community leaders, business representatives and other stakeholder groups and will take a leadership role in pursuing additional funding for the redevelopment of the site. At every step of the proposed project, the expertise of local environmental teaching facilities such as Texas A&M as well as the federal, state and local offices of Ark- Tex Council of Government 2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance Page 9 II