08-A Brownfields Grant
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EPA Home >- Brownfields > Newsroom> EPA News Release May 10,
200S
Environmental News
FOR RELEASE: May 10, 2005
Contact: Dale Kemery, 202-564- 7839 I keme .dal
75,,9 Million in Brownfield Grants Announced
(Washington, DC - May 1O, 2005) Communities in 44 states will share
more than $75 million in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
brownfields grants to help revitalize former industrial and commercial sites,
transforming them from problem properties into community assets.
"The Brownfields Program puts both property and people back to work, II
EP A Administrator Steve Jolmson said. "These grants will help
communities across America convert eyesores into engines of economic
rebirth. It
Browntìelds are sites where potentially harmful contaminants may be
impeding revitalization. The Small Business Liability Relief and
Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002 authorizes up to $250 million in
funds annually for brown fields grants. That taw broadened -the definition of
a brownfield to include mine-scarred lands) sites contaminated by
petroleum or areas polluted by the manufacture of illegal drugs
In addition to the grants being announced today, participants in the
brownfields program gain access to the expertise and other resources trom
more than 20 federal agencies. There are four categories of grants being
awarded with 218 applícants, including three tribal nations, selected to
receive 302 grants totaling $75.9 million. These include:
. 172 assessment grants, worth $33.6 million, to assess and plan for
eventual cleanup at one or more brownfield sites;
. 106 cleanup grants, totaling $1.9.3 million, for recipients to clean up
brownfield sites they own;
. 13 revolving loan fund grants, totaling $20.8 million, which
communities use to make low-interest loans for the cleanup of
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EPA Bro~nfieUis Press Release May 10, 2005
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ATCOG
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http://www.epa.govlbrownfie1ds/newslprO51 005. htm
browntleld sites;
. 11 job-training gr4UItst valued at $2.2 million; tor environmental
training of people who live in brownfield communities.
More than 60 percent of the people completing brownficlds training
programs have landed jobs in the environmental field.
The Brownfields Program promotes redevelopment of America's estimated
450,000 abandoned and contaminated waste sites. Since its inception in
1995, the program has awarded 709 assessment grants totaling over $190
million, 189 revolving loan fund grants worth more than $165 m.illion, and
$26.8 million for 1 SO cleanup grants.
Tn addition to promoting industrial and commercial redevelopment,
brownfields projects have converted industrial waterfronts to riverfront
parks, landfills to golf courses, rail conidors to recreational1rails, and gas
station sites to housing. EP A's browntields assistance has led to more than
$7 billion in public and private investment in cleanup and redeve1opment,
helped create more than 31,000 jobs, and resulted in the assessment of more
than 5,100 properties.
For more information on the grant recipients, go to:
h!!P:/Iwww .ep~~ov Isweros~ archi.!E{pilot arch,htm
More information on brownfields in general is at
!mP:/lwww . epa.~ov Ibrownfiel ds
###
...-1
United States
Environmental
Protection Agency
Washingtoß7 D.C.
20460
Office of Public
Affairs
Washington D.C.
20460
(1703A)
Office ph. 202-564-4355
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EPA Bro~teldš Grants, Ark- Tex Council of Governmen... http://www.epa.gov/swerospslbfi'O5grdntslarktcxcog-htm
Ark- T ex Cou,nci I of Governments,
Southwest Arkansas and Northeast
Texas
EPA BROWNFJELDS PROGRAM
EPAJs Brownfiefds Program empowers states, communities, and
other stakeholders in economic development to work together to
prevent. assess, safely clean up, and sustain ably reuse brownfields.
A brownfield site 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. On
January 11, 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law the
Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfietds Revitalization Act.
Under the Brownfields Law, EPA provides financial assistance to
eligible applicants through four competitive grant programs:
assessment grants. revolving loan fund grants, cleanup grants, and
job training grants. Additionally, funding support is provided to state
and tribar response programs through a separate mechanism.
ASSESSMENT GRANT
$200,000 for hazardous substances
EPA has selected the Ark- Tex Council of Governments for a
brownfields assessment grant. Grant funds wilt be used to inventory
brownfields properties1 and conduct approximately ten to 15 Phase I
site assessments and two to three Phase II site assessments.
Funds also will be used to perform health monitoring activities in
neighborhoods surrounding the sites, conduct community outreach
activities, and launch a web site with project information and status
reports.
COMMUNITY DESCRIPTION
The Ark- Tex Council of Governments was selected to receive a
brownfields assessment grant. Thè Council serves ten mostly rural
counties1 nine in Texas and one in Arkansas. The cìtìes in this
region developed around railroads that supported industries,
including timber and agriculture. These industries have since left,
and the region has suffered from a lack of new investment. The
region has a population of 311.562, and suffers from a higher
unemployment rate, higher poverty rate, and lower per capita
income than the state and national averages. Thera are more than
2of3
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EPA BtyWnfields Grants, Ark-rex Council of Govcrnmcn... http:l!www.epa.gov!swerospslbflO5grantslarktexcog.htm
100 legal and illegal closed landfills in the area, as welt as many
abandoned industrial facilítíes and gas stations. These blighted
areas inhibit economic development, and decrease housing and
land values of adjacent properties. Brownfields redevelopment will
increase economic development, create jobs, provide the rationale
for undertaking additional brownfields projects, and protect the
health and environment of the regionl5 communities.
CONTACTS
For further information, including specific grant contacts, additional
grant information, brownfields news and events, and publications
and Jinks; visit the EPA Brownflelds web site at:
www.s a. ov/brownfields.
EPA Region 6 Brownfields T earn
214-665-6736
h!!P :/Iwww . eQ!JJov/ea rth 1 r6/6$flbf~s/sfbfhome. htm
Grant Recipient: Ark- T ex Cou n en of Governments! TX
903-832 -8636
The cooperative agreement for this grant has not yet been
negotiated; therefore, activities descñbed in this fact sheet are
subject to change.
--- --'"
United States
Environmental
Protection AgenCtJ
Washington, D.C. 20460
Solid Waste
and Emergency
Response (5105T)
EPA SSo-F-O5-062
May 2005
-
Quick Reference Fact Sheet
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II. . .APPLICANT INFORMATION
' , ..': :.
A.
Project Title: Ark - T ex Regional Brownfields Assessment Proj ect
B.
Grant Type: (1.) Assessment (2.) Hazardous Substance (3.) Community Wide
C.
Total Dollar Amount Requested for this Grant: $200,000 Hazardous Substance
D.
Name of Applicant: Ark-Tex Council of Governments
E.
Project Contact:
Ms. Diane Atkinson
Environmental Resource Planner
Ark-Tex Council of Governments
P.O. Box 5307
Texarkana, Texas 75505-5307
Phone: (903) 832-8636
Fax: (903) 832-2672
E-mail: datkinson@atcog.org
F.
Chief Executive:
Mr. L. D. Williamson
Executive Director
Ark- Tex Council of Governments
P.O. Box 5j07
Texarkana, Texas 75505-5307
Phone: (903) 832-8636
Fax: (903) 832-2672
E-mail: 1QIDJIiamson@atcog.org
G.
Location: The project region encompasses 10 counties and includes 3 municipalities as
listed below.
1. Miller County, Arkansas (pop. 40,443) - City of Texarkana
2. Bowie County, Texas (pop. 89,302) - City of Texarkana
3. Cass County, Texas (pop. 30,447)
4. Delta County, Texas -c~DOp. 5,346)
5. Franklin County, Texas (pop. 9,946)
6. Hopkins County, Texas (pop. 32,028)
7. Lamar County, Texas (pop. 48,625) - City of Paris
8. Morris County, TexaS (pop. 13,058)
9. Red River CountY, Texas (pop. 14,278)
10. Titus County, Texas (pop. 28,089)
Population: 311,562 (Source: U.S. Census Bureau)
Special Consideration: None
Ark- Tex Council of Government
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
Page 1
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~
THRESHOLD CRITERIA for ASSESSMENT GRANTS
A.
A
The Ark - T ex Council of Governments (A TCOG) is a regional council of local
governments comprising a 10 county region in Texas (9 counties) and Arkansas (1
county).
B.
ComQ,lunitv_N otification
The community was notified of the grant application by a public announcement
distributed through the region's county and municipal governments and a public meeting
held November 8, 2004. Community members who requested a copy of the application
were provided one for their review and comment. In addition, A TCOG in partnership
with the Greater Texarkana RSVP, a seniors-based volunteer organization, met with
community leaders; local government officials, business groups, ministerial alliances,
local chambers of commerce and other stakeholders in the region to discuss the proposal
and solicit feedback on the application. Copíes of support letters from these
organizations are provided in the attachments. Comments received through these
activities were incorporated into the fmal version of the application.
C.
Letter from the State or Tribal Environmental Authoritv
Letters acknowledging the project's plans and this application from the Arkansas
Department of Environmental Quality (AD EQ) and the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the two state environmental authorities, are included in
the attachments.
D.
Site Elieibilitv and ProJl£!!Y Ownership Eli2ibili~
Not Applicable
Ark- Tex Council of Government
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
Page 2
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RANKING CRITERIA for ASSESSMENT GRANTS
A.
Assessment Grant Proposal Bud2et
The table below outlines the A TCOG proposed budget for the grant project. Task
descriptions are provided below.
Budget Project Tasks
Categories Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task 4 Task 5 Total
Personnel 2,500 6,000 3,750 14,500 26,750
Fringe Benefits 1,445 3,468 2,168 8,381 15,462
Travel 3,355 1,832 1,082 1,119 7,388
Equipment
Supplies 200 1,200 500 1 ,000 2,900
Contractual $2,500 $2,500 $140,000 $2,500 $147,500
Other (specify)
Total $10,000 $15,000 $140,000 $10,000 $25,000 $200,000
lMk 1 - Brownfields Inven~ 0.000)
The A TCOG will partner with the Greater Texarkana RSVP to conduct an inventory of
brownfields properties in the region. Senior volunteers will work with community
members to identify sites.
Task 2 - Community Outreach ($15.000)
The Ark- Tex COG will partner with the Greater Texarkana RSVP to host community
outreach meetings in key urban areas in the region. In addition, the A TCOG will launch
a web site with project information and status reports, issue press releases and public
notices, and network with community leaders, business groups and government
representatives. Through these activities, community organizations will gather feedback
on site selection and prioritization and redevelopment planning.
Task 3 - Phase I & Phase II Environmental Site Assessment§l$140.000} ATCOG will
coordinate the work of area environmental service firms to conduct approximately 10 to
15 Phase I site assessments and will coordinate the work of area environmental service
firms to complete 2 to 3 Phase II environmental site assessments.
Task 4 - Health Monitoring ($10.000)
The A TCOG, with support from the Greater Texarkana RSVP, will perform health
monitoring activities ,in neighborhoods surrounding priority brownfield sites.
Task 5 - Redevelopment Planning ($25.000)
The A TCOG, with community input and involvement, will create strategic
redevelopment plans that reflect the community and economic needs of the region.
RSVP will assist in this endeavor. Their labor will be in kind and travel expenses will be
paid.
Ark- Tex Council of Government
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
Page 3
I
B.
Communitv ~ee<!
The area of western Arkansas and eastern Texas served by the Council of Governments,
and the focus of this pilot project is predominantly rural, with the exception of Bowie
County, Texas and Miller County, Arkansas where the twin cities of Texarkana are
located. .
..----.
Poyt?rty Unemployment Per Capita Population
Region . . Rate. Rate Income
1\ A":11_~-e .4- An 1 {'\ ..,n/ --zt:3 0 f -$+6;444 4-8;44 :;
'\.4.I."""J, ¿~" .a../..J/u . /u
Bowie County, TX 1 7.7% 16.9% $22,392 89,302
Cass County, TX 1 7.7% 18.3% $22,208 30,447
Delta County, TX 17.6% 20.8% $20,666 5,346
Franklin County, TX 15.6% 14.2% $22,209 9,946
Hopkins County, TX 14.6% 15.7% $21,244 32,028
Lamar County, TX 16.4% 19.6% $22,484 48,625
Morris County, TX 18.3% 18.6% $21,368 13,058
Red River County, TX 17.3% 23.4% $1"8,537 14,278
Titus County, TX 18.5% 17.0% $20,995 28,089
. Total, . . .: 17.3% . 18.3°,IÒ $21,117 . . 311,562
Texas 15.4 5.5 $27,752 21,779,893
Arkansas 15.8 5.5 $21,995 2,710,079
United States 12.4 3.7 $29,469 288,368,698
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau, Arkansas State Data Center and Texas State Data Center and fedstats.gov
The A TCOG region depicted in the
illustration to the right has a high
unemployment rate (18.3 percent), a
high poverty rate (17.3 percent) and a
low per capita income ($21,11 7) when
compared with the state and national
averages. According to Northeast
Texas Economic Development
District's Community Economic
Development Strategy the region. has
historically been below the Texas and
national averages in median income,
per capita income and has above
average unemployment.
-... -..-. .-.---¡
I!..
ARKAN S-¥,
l'
TEXAS
The counties in the target area have some of the lowest per capita income in the states of
Texas and Arkansas and have few resources to address problems related to
environmentally contaminated properties, in many cases abandoned by their owners, due
to the real or perceived costs of environmental cleanup. However, city and county
planning agencies recognize the value of our remaining rural spaces, both to the
preservation of the local character that is a continuing draw for new residents and old,
Ark- Tex Council of Govertnnent
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
Page 4
I
and in a desire to avoid the ugliness of urban sprawl. Therefore, these planning agencies
have focused on infill development as a means of making the best use of present
infrastruct~e while preserving the open spaces surrounding our communities These
needs are included in the Texarkana, AR Comprehensive Plan, Texarkana, TX
Comprehensive Plan, Paris Comprehensive Plan, A TCOG Regional Solid Waste
Management Plan, and the A TCOG Closed Landfill Inventory.
The minority population is depicted in the following table.
--- ---------
74
73
78
88
89
85
83
71
78
70
Texas 84
Arkansas 81 .
United States 81
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
YoBtacK ~t er ...--..-..--.--.--.... -
23 3
23 4
20 2
8 4
4 7
8 7
14 3
24 5
18 4
11 19
12 4
17 2
13 6
This project will provide the needed resources to begin the redevelopment of these
contaminated properties by assessing the type and level of contamination, involving
community and neighborhood groups in decision-making, and motivating the business
and fmancial community in each of the target area cities and counties to creatively
explore the options for fmancing both site remediation and redevelopment. By pooling
resources (personnel, expertise and dollars) through a regional brownfields project,
A TCOG will be able to leverage those resources and provide a service that the individual
members of the consortium would not be able to perform by acting alone.
In addition, these brownfields sites are predominately located in or near the
disadvantaged communities in this region and the project will specifically target the sites
located in these communities for redevelopment. Brownfields properties blight these
areas, inhibiting economic development and depressing housing and land values in
adjacent properties. By cleaning up these sites and putting them back into productive
use, the project will spur economic development, create jobs, and protect the health and
environment of these communities.
The cities of Texarkana developed around the railroads. The downtown area of both cities
was vibrant and alive in its active years. At the turn of the century the railroads started to
take hold and supported industries including timber and agriculture that have since left
Ark- Tex Council of Government
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
I
Page 5
and left cleanup to be done. Since then the area has suffered from lack of investment as
new development is occurring around the interstate and away from downtown area. Much
of the region is currently served by Kansas City Southern Railroad and Union Pacific
Railroad but abandoned right of way exists throughout the region where commercial use
is no longer viable. The interstate was built in Texarkana in the 1960's and retail trade is
building up around the interstate. A similar situation is occurring in the city of Paris.
There are numerous sites that are potential brownfields in these areas.
Closed landfills (legal and illegal) are problems in all of the counties in the project area as
-- -- --- - - - .-- -. --'-l"-0SÌ.Q@Bt-ial-ar-e-a-s-ha~-ewa.--aJHifØufld-their-b0\ifidari.~-here--are-ove~1-ee-sit-es---- -----
identified in the ATCOO Closed Landfill Inventory. In addition to these landfills,
community residents have preliminarily identified a number of now-abandoned
manufacturing and industrial facilities in the region. There are numerous abandoned gas
stations as they used to be on every corner.
Further complicating the redevelopment of these properties is the large undeveloped
areas devoted to agriculture that are easy to acquire for new development. There is no
incentive to undertake risky redevelopment of potential brownfield areas when unsullied
land is nearby. Without a commitInent on the part of elected public officials and the
community at large, potential brownfield areas will continue to be both eyesores and
hazards. Land that could be used in productive ways and added to the tax rolls will
instead be left idle while surrounding land is developed.
Redeveloping these properties will substantially impact the surrounding communities.
Removing these blight properties and putting them back into productive use will spur
economic growth and job creation, while protecting the environment from the on-going
impacts of contamination. In addition, successful redevelopment of a few key areas
would demonstrate the tangible value of such efforts and provide the rationale for
undertaking additional projects.
c.
Site Selection Process
Preliminary discussions with the project partners and community members through
outreach activities and community meetings have identified a number of potential
brownfields sites to target for redevelopment. A TCOG will work with these groups to
conduct a broader inventory of brownfields properties in the region and establish
redevelopment priorities.
Based on these preliminary discussions, A rcoo envisions that these priorities will
include the following evaluation criteria.
1. Potential for economic development and job creation
2. Level of health and safety and environmental impacts on the community
3. Local community need
4. Reuse of existing infrastructure
Ark- Tex Council of Government
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
Page 6
II
The sites will also be categorized as viable, threshold, or non-viable, following the
guidelines set forth in the EP A's Environmental Financial Advisory Board publication
"Financing Strategies for Brownfields Redevelopment".
A TCOG will work with community leaders and members through public forwns to
establish redevelopment priorities for the region. In addition to establishing evaluation
criteria, these forums will allow the community to evaluate and prioritize identified
brownfield properties.
------,---,,-,----'---'-"'-'
---.- --
Toward this end, ATCOG has partnered with the Greater Texarkana RSVP, a seniors
volunteer-based organization, to assist in coordinating community meetings and
identifying potential brownfield sites across the region. Trained volunteers will collect
preliminary background information of the identified sites and create a comprehensive
inventory of sites in the area. They will work with environmental agencies in both states
as well as the local offices of emergency management to compare property lists and
information records on stored chemicals, spills and other potential contamination. The
inventory will also be shared with the county and municipal governments to include in
their economic and community developnlent strategic planning activities.
In the event that privately owned sites are selected, local city staff will attempt to identify
property owner and work with them to receive access by establishing access agreeements.
If the property is abandoned, efforts will be made to negotiate with the property owner to
donate the property to the city. Only properties where the owner is willing to donate or
sell the property will be considered for participation in the proj ect.
D.
Sustainable Reuse of Brownfields
Through this project, A TCOG staff and community volunteers will provide information
to community groups, local government staff members, business leaders and other
stakeholders about environmental contamination and brownfields redevelopment. In
addition, A TCOG will seek to profile the successful sustainable reuse practices described
below to be used a replicable models for development and redevelopment activities
across the region. A TCOG will specifically target key decision-makers to the local,
county and state level with these profiles to encourage the development of policies and
practices that promote sustainable reuse both within the region and across both states.
Prevent Pollution and Reduce Resource Consumption
Throughout the project, materials related into energy efficiency, environmentally
beneficial landscaping, green building, alternative stormwater management and eco-
industrial development will be provided to stakeholder groups. In addition,
redevelopment plans for the selected brownfields properties will include these type of
strategies to prevent future contamination at the site. These sites will then become
models for other development and redevelopment efforts across the region. Profiles of
these approaches at that the sites will be highlighted on the project web site and presented
to local and state government officials.
Ark- Tex Council of Government
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
Page 7
I
Promote Economic Benefits
Redeveloping brownfields properties in the A TCOG region will provide a number of
economic benefits to impacted communities. As the properties are put back into
productive use, the communities' tax bases will expand and new jobs will be created for
residents. External investment from recruited rums will benefit the area and property
values will increase with the removal of blight. These positive impacts will fuel future
development and economic benefit in these areas.
-- --. - - ---_._---- ---P-r-QRlQte-a-¥ibr-an+-CemmYBity-
Built upon the needs of the community, the redevelopment plans at the selected
brownfield sites will include a diverse mix of uses to accommodate the identified needs.
This could include the development of parks and recreational facilities or
industrial/commercial facilities. These plans will include leading smart growth strategies
that will also be profiled with the pollution prevention methods on the project's web site
and disseminated to regional stakeholders. This will ensure that these site become
models for redevelopment in the region that promote healthy, vibrant communities.
Reuse of Existing Infrastructure
The reuse of existing infrastructure is one of the evaluation criteria for selecting
brownfield sites for environmental assessment and redevelopment planning activities.
Reuse will be featured prominently in the redevelopment plans and also be highlighted in
the profiles of sites on the project web site.
Promote Transportation Choices
Another area to be profiled will be transportation choices. Redevelopment planning
.activities will encourage the development and use of alternative forms of transportation
such as bike-to-work and walk-to-work opportunities where appropriate as well as
effectively utilizing the region's public transportation systems.
Prevent Future Brownfields
Through the project's outreach and other activities, current property owners and
community leaders will gain a better understanding of the impacts of environmental
contamination and brownfields on the region's economy and population. This will
promote an environmental conscientiousness on the part of these owners and current
facility managers. In addition, A TCOG will seek to promote the enforcement of existing
city ordinances, fire and building codes, and state and federal environmental regulations
in the region as well as the development of stronger regulations and laws where needed to
. prevent future property abandonment and the creation of brownfields. .
E.
Creation and/or Preservation of Greenspace/Open Space or Other Nonprofit
Purnose
Through A TCOG' s prior outreach efforts, the communities that comprise the A TCOG
region have expressed a need for additional parks and recreation areas. Parks and
recreation areas in the cities have not kept pace with the growth of the communities. As
Ark- Tex Council of Government
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
Page 8
I
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
environmental regulatory agencies including the EP A, Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality
(ADEQ) will be consulted and included in the inventory, assessment, and planning
process.
Our progress on any projects approved would include our stakeholders group as well as
regular media contacts. Texarkana's web site would also be a source for updating the
public on progress and related issues.
-- - - - - -- ----- .._-- -. -A-l-I-publi c cemmuniGati-eß.&WiU-be-tr-ansl-ateà-int-e-8pani-sh-t-e-enm:tr-e--the-partie-ipati-on-of-' - -
the large Hispanic population in the A TCOG region.
Community organizations that are supportive of the brownfields initiative are listed
below and support letters are included with the attachments.
Friends United for a Safe Environment (FUSE): Jim Presley 903-792-2321
Texarkana Chamber of Commerce: Jerry Sparks 903-792-7191 '
Volunteer Center: Kathy Graves 870,~773-8811
Friends of the Park Committee: Judy Walter 903-319-4940
Business Organization for a New Downtown (BOND): Bethany Hanna 870-774-2120
United Way: Mary Wormington 903-794-3105
Keep Paris Beautiful: Richard Manning 903-785-0673
Texarkana Education Cultural Arts Partners: Ruth Ellen Whitt 903-792-8681
Texarkana College Earth Club: Delores McCright 903-838-4541
Tex Ark Audubon: Don Kyle or Delores McCright 903-838-4541
Friends United for a Safe Environment is a local environmental group dedicated to
protecting the health of Texarkana and surrounding areas health.
Texarkana Chamber of Commerce is a business organization chartered to promote
successful business in the area.
The Volunteer Center is an organization dedicated to public service through the use of
volunteers. .
Friends of the Park Committee is a local organization dedicated to fInding and
developing green space and parks in the community.
Business Organizatioß.for a New Downtown is dedicated to redeveloping the downtown
Texarkana area. Its members include businesses operating downtown.
United Way is the local chapter of the national organization offering support to a variety
of non profit organizations.
Keep Paris Beautiful is the Paris affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. They are dedicated
to preserving the beauty of their community.
Ark- Tex Council of Government
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
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Texarkana Education Cultural Arts Partners are dedicated to the arts and culture of the
community .
Texarkana College Earth Club is a university based environmental organization that helps
keep roads clean and the water protected.
Tex Ark Audubon Club is the local chapter of the Audubon Society. They are dedicated
to preserving wildlife and the environment.
._- .---.-------.-.- ----.- --..----
-------.'.----"'.-- .-.. -
G.
Reduction of Threats to Human Health and the Environment
The cleanup of brownfield properties and its ripple effect on redevelopment policy and
practice in the region will result in a significant reduction of threats to human health and
the environment. During the site selection stage, training volunteers will collect and
evaluate health and environmental indicators in the neighborhoods surrounding the
brownfield site. The project will specifically seek to identify any heightened occurrences
of cancer, asthma or birth defects among members of the community that may be
associated with the contaminants thought to be at the site. This baseline data will be used
to evaluate any change in conditions that occur as a result of the site cleanup. The
cleanup and redevelopment of these contaminated properties will improve the
environmental quality of the region and prevent further contamination from impacting the
area's soil and water.
State health department officials as well as local health officials will be involved in the
assessment of all sites selected for remediation. Those agencies will be involved in all
aspects of the process to insure that public health issues are being considered and
addressed. In addition, EP A technical assistance will also be sought in resolving the
different technical and programmatic requirements of the States of Arkansas and Texas.
Other federal and state agencies, including the D~partments of Commerce and Housing
and Urban Development, and the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality's (TCEQ)
Voluntary Cleanup Program will be contacted and asked for assistance in determining
technical assessment and remediation procedures and standards, identifying available
fmancial assistance programs, and potential brownfields site redevelopment assistance.
.. ...,¿
I.
Leverae:ine: of Additional Resources
As the sites have not yet been selected for redevelopment, A TCOG does not have
estimates for the cleanup and redevelopment of the properties. A TCOG will work with
Ark- Tex Council of Government
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
Page 11
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.
the community task force and stakeholder groups to pursue a range of public and private
funding to address these financial needs.
Both Arkansas and Texas have existing programs to develop entrepreneurial and
employment possibilities in their respective jurisdictions. Enterprise zones, tax
abatement zones, and in Texas Tax Increment Financing are all potential funding
mechanisms for brownfield development. In Texas, the Texas Capital Fund under the
state Department of Economic Development could provide funding for start-up and
construction. Both states make available SBA Section 504 financing, and both permit the
_. - - -.. ---. - - ----use-Gf-GGmm.-wŸt.y-D0Vß-le pmoot-ßwG-k-GFant --funà-&-fer-ec-e R emie-devela-pment-ptlfPoses-. .
Environmental remediation and clearance would be eligible activities under these
programs. In Texas, Industrial Revenue Bonds are available for industrial projects. The
Economic Development Administration's Sudden and Severe Economic Distress (SSED)
program could be used to prepare a brownfields site if an end user is identified. EDA is
becoming more interested in brownfields projects, and may in the future provide more
funding specifically tied to brownfields. Any project undertaken in the immediate
downtown area of Texarkana may also have significant private or non-profit funding
sources available.
Through the implementation of this pilot project, the jurisdictions in the region will be
better prepared to respond to new initiatives from any of the above programs.
Due to current financial constraints on local governments in the region, actual cash
funding to support redevelopment may be very limited. However local government
representatives have expressed their willingness to provide the necessary in-kind
contributions to carry out redevelopment activities. In addition, local community groups
such as the Greater Texarkana RSVP have committed the time and resources their staff
and volunteer base to support redevelopment initiatives in the region. Support letters
from these organizations and government representatives are included in the attachments.
J.
Abilitv to Manae:e Grants
The Ark- Tex Council of Governments' finance department has a total of six personnel,
with a combined total of 45.7 years of experience at ATCOG in the fmance department.
The Director of Finance and Administration, Brenda Davis, the one that oversees the
fiscal work, has been with A TCOG for 15..6 years, has been in this position for 8 years,
and has the following degrees: B.B.A., M.B.A., M.S., and is a Certified Fraud Examiner.
Our current accounting software is Fundware. It is a fund/grant accounting system that
allows each grant or fund to balance with itself. This along with experienced staff will
account for grant expenditures.
Currently, our largest federal grant is through Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
This year it is approximately $8.6 million: We have had this grant since the early 1970's.
ATCOG oversees federal funds through the U.S. Department ofCommerce~d Small
Ark- Tex Council of Government
2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
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I
Business Administration. Also, we have many other federal grants that pass through the
State before they are awarded to us.
Since 1995, when Brenda Davis took over this position, ATCOG had not had an audit
finding until 2002. This was a rIDding in OMB Circular A-133 Audit. The finding was
for a discrepancy in the reported "current balance available for new loans" and the funds
available per the general ledger. The discrepancy has been corrected.
----.-.---.-
A TCOG has not received brownfields funding in the past, but has received and
s uc ces sfull¥-managed..fun d.s-fr..om-th.e-EP-A-an d-g~tat~ -f-oo~-al-a ß8R -Gi-e-s-. -- - - - - -
The most recent grants received by A TCOG are outlined on the following table.
Grant Name Amount Fiscal Year Funding Agency
Received
Aging 1,554,833 2005 Dept. of Aging and Disability
Services
Land Reuse 50,000 2005 Environmental Protection
l-\gency
Water Quality 13,106 2005 Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality
ORCAJTCDP 13,517 2005 Texas Dept. of Housing and
Community Affairs
T ransportati on 508,360 2005 Texas Department of
Transportation
Solid Waste 357,694 2004/2005 Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality
Probation Officer 17,602 2005 Office of the Governor
Training Criminal Justice Div.
Juvenile Justice 16,512 2005 Office of the Governor
Alternatives Criminal Justice Div.
Interagency Cooperation 40,000 2005 Office of the Governor
Criminal Justice Div.
Texas Engineering 46,295 2005 US Department of Homeland
Extension Service Security
Rural Access Program 60,993 2005 University of Texas Medical
Branch at Galveston
--
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2004 EP A Brownfields Grant Application - Hazardous Substance
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