FY24 GUIDELINES FOR BROWNFIELD CLEANUP GRANTS | EPA I OLEM OBLR 23 15

FY24 EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grants (FY24 Guidelines) - FAQs

What is the FY24 Guidelines for Brownfield Cleanup Grants opportunity?

It is a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discretionary funding opportunity that supports the cleanup and reuse of brownfield properties. Brownfields are sites where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by real or perceived contamination.

What is a "brownfield" in this program context?

A brownfield property is generally a site where redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived contamination. The purpose of this program is to help remove environmental barriers so these properties can be returned to productive community use.

Which federal law authorizes this Brownfields Cleanup Grant program?

The program is rooted in the federal brownfields authority under CERCLA (the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act), specifically Section 104(k). That authority was added through the 2002 Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act.

How did the 2018 BUILD Act affect this grant program?

The 2018 BUILD Act reauthorized EPA's Brownfields Program and refined aspects of the grant authority. It also updated ownership and liability provisions that affect who can take on a site and under what conditions.

How is the FY24 funding connected to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law?

For FY24, the funding is backed by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This reflects a major federal push to accelerate cleanup projects that can unlock redevelopment, housing, economic activity, and safer land use.

What type of award is this (grant vs. cooperative agreement)?

This opportunity is offered as a cooperative agreement. This typically means recipients should expect substantial EPA involvement during the project period, such as coordination, oversight expectations, and/or required approvals tied to federal assistance.

What kinds of projects are these Cleanup Grants meant to support?

The focus is on moving beyond planning and assessment into actual remediation work at specific sites. Projects typically involve eligible cleanup activities that address contamination, reduce risk to human health and the environment, and prepare properties for redevelopment or community reuse.

Is the program intended for planning and assessments or for actual cleanup?

These are Cleanup Grants, intended to support actual cleanup/remediation activities at specific sites, rather than remaining in the planning and assessment stage.

What community outcomes is EPA trying to achieve through these grants?

The broader intent is to help communities, states, Tribal Nations, and eligible nonprofits turn stalled or underused properties into assets by removing environmental barriers and supporting local revitalization. The IIJA-backed emphasis also highlights redevelopment, housing, economic activity, and safer land use.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling) for this opportunity?

The listed award ceiling is up to $5,000,000. This suggests individual projects can be sizable, especially where contamination is complex, a property is large, or the cleanup scope is extensive.

How many awards does EPA anticipate making under this announcement?

EPA anticipates making about 65 awards under this announcement, indicating a nationally competitive process with multiple recipients.

Is this a competitive funding opportunity?

Yes. The announcement indicates a discretionary grant competition with an anticipated set of awards, which implies applicants compete nationally for selection.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

The program is identified under CFDA 66.818.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is EPA I OLEM OBLR 23 15.

Which agency administers this opportunity?

The administering agency is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), within the office structure associated with land and emergency management/brownfields.

When was this funding opportunity created?

The opportunity was created on September 21, 2023.

What was the application closing date for this cycle?

The original application closing date for this cycle was November 13, 2023.

Who is eligible to apply based on the listing?

Eligibility is noted as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)." This generally indicates eligibility includes a specific set of governmental entities and community-based organizations rather than a single broad category.

Which types of organizations are generally the target applicants for EPA brownfields cleanup funding?

As described in the opportunity summary, EPA brownfields cleanup funding is designed to empower public entities, Tribal Nations, and certain nonprofit organizations to carry out cleanup and reuse efforts. Specific eligibility conditions are typically detailed in the full guidelines.

Are there site ownership, site control, or liability-related requirements for applicants?

The summary notes that ownership and liability provisions affect who can take on a site and under what conditions, and that the exact eligibility conditions (including any site control or ownership requirements) are typically spelled out in the full guidelines.

What is the main purpose of the FY24 Brownfield Cleanup Grants guidance?

It functions as EPA's roadmap for applicants seeking federal financial assistance to clean up contaminated or potentially contaminated sites and return them to productive community use, using updated CERCLA authorities and IIJA investment priorities.