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EPA Awards Missoula County $300,000 in revitalization sites

Posted at 1:15 PM, Jun 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-06-06 14:32:16-04

MISSOULA – The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has announced that Missoula County has been awarded Missoula County a $300,000 Brownfields Assessment Grant to revitalize properties in Milltown, East Missoula and Evaro.

The county will use the funds to conduct environmental assessments and develop cleanup plans for those three priority brownfield sites, according to a news release.

A brownfield is a property for which the expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.

“As the economy in Missoula County continues to shift away from natural resource extraction, there are large underutilized properties that have been slow to redevelop due to the presence or perception of contamination,” said Sindie Kennedy, Missoula County brownfields coordinator.

“A Brownfields Assessment Grant from the EPA will provide essential support for preparing these properties for redevelopment for creating new housing, economic and recreational opportunities for Missoula County residents and visitors.”

In Milltown, the grant will support the expansion of Milltown State Park and improve river and recreational access for the public.

Redevelopment plans in East Missoula include additional housing and office and commercial space to serve residents.

Missoula County will work with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to assess property in Evaro that could clear land for redevelopment and allow for housing on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

“The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes welcome the chance to partner with Missoula County on this Brownfield Assessment Grant,” said Chairman Ronald Trahan.

“We look forward to a long-standing and active partnership with Missoula County regarding eligible Brownfields sites in the Evaro community, which is located on the Flathead Indian Reservation and Missoula County.”