The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Delaware has been awarded $500,000 in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2025 Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant program.
This amount represents the highest level of funding available through the program.
This grant will support the county’s ongoing mission to identify and assess brownfield properties.
The DCEDC and the Redevelopment Authority will begin the process of identifying priority sites across the county and working with local stakeholders to support brownfield redevelopment opportunities that align with community needs.
Brownfields are sites that may be contaminated or underutilized that can be cleaned up and redeveloped.
With the grant, Delaware County will be able to start Phase and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments to see what the environmental conditions are of selected properties as a way to remove barriers to investment and revitalization.
“This funding is a significant win for Delaware County,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor, “and we are especially proud of the outstanding leadership of Laura Goodrich Cairns and the Economic Development Corporation for securing these critical resources.
“This grant will help us lay the groundwork for a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous future for our communities.”
The grant supports local planning, environmental testing, and community engagement efforts to prepare brownfield sites for redevelopment.
These often-overlooked properties can become community assets when given the attention and resources they require.
“This $500,000 represents an important step forward for Delaware County’s environmental and economic health,” said Delaware County Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “These kinds of investments are key to turning underutilized properties into opportunities for growth and revitalization.”
Matthew Sullivan, chair of the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Delaware (RDA), emphasized the significance of the award, stating, “Being able to provide funding for Phase I and Phase II ESAs, coupled with the revolving loan funds that we received from EPA in 2023, allow us to provide significant financial incentives for these revitalization efforts.”
More details on specific sites chosen will be announced.
The Redevelopment Authority of Delaware County serves as the key vehicle for land acquisition and revitalization throughout the county.
The RDA facilitates development through strategic property assemblage and administers the Brownfields Pilot Program.
The Delaware County Economic Development Corporation is committed to the economic growth and development of Delaware County by providing resources, support, and partnerships to create a vibrant business environment.
Find out more at the Delaware County Economic Development Corporation.
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