Brownfields Coalition partners:

Commerce:
Bill Mandeville
(360) 725-3051

Department of Ecology
Dan Koroma
(360) 725-4062

King County Projects:
Lucy Auster
(206) 296-8476

City of Tacoma Projects:
Martha Anderson
(253) 591-5207
Genal Gavaldon
(253) 591-5213

City of Spokane Projects:
Melissa Wittstruck
(509) 625-6069

 
Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund
 
The Brownfields Coalition
 

The Brownfields Coalition is a partnership of the state Department of Commerce, King County/Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and the Department of Ecology.  We work together to make it easier for local governments, property owners and developers to return brownfields to a useful purpose by helping with the logistics and funding.  Our primary source of funding is the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF).

We are not a regulatory group, but a cooperative that acts as your partner throughout the process, from assessment to completion of cleanup.  By working with the coalition, investors and developers can get a good idea what the cleanup will entail and the potential costs.

The coalition:

  • Makes low-interest loans to eligible local governments, developers, and property owners to clean up brownfields
  • Links loan recipients with other brownfields programs for help with assessment and more
  • Streamlines the process of cleanup and redevelopment by collaborating with federal, state, and local agencies.
 
Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF)

The purpose of the BRLF program is to facilitate public and private sector cleanup and redevelopment of commercial or industrial brownfield properties that are idled, underutilized or abandoned as a result of contamination (real or perceived).

The objectives of the loan fund are to:

  • Support self-sustaining efforts by local governments and private owners by offering low interest loans for site cleanup
  • Leverage funds by linking loan recipients with assistance offered through the related brownfields programs
  • Strengthen collaboration between various stakeholders
  • Create sustainable jobs through new or expanded businesses
  • Increase tax base to local areas
 
Brownfield Eligibility

Site eligibility is based on the situation, the urgency of the project, the threat of the contamination, and the time frame in which a cleanup can be done. The cleanup must also be approved through the Department of Ecology's Voluntary Cleanup Program.

Some factors that determine loan eligibility include:

  • The applicant did not cause or contribute to the site's contamination
  • A site reuse or redevelopment plan with near-term economic viability
  • The project will result in job creation and retention
  • The project will improve existing environmental conditions

When evaluating a loan application, we look at the credit worthiness of the applicant, the social and economic benefits of the redevelopment, including an evaluation of the property's marketability and land value, visibility, neighborhood conditions and physical infrastructure. But the financial and environmental factors will still be the most important.

A BRLF loan may also be used for prevention, abatement, or removal of hazardous substances or contaminants that threaten public safety, drinking water or sensitive ecosystems.

Your coalition partner can help you get a better idea of whether or not your site will qualify for a loan.

 
The Process

Here is a brief description of the stages you would likely go through to take a property from useless to useful...

  • Consider the possibilities 
This is the fun part, what will you do with the land?  Maybe you're simply trying to sell it, but you need to clean it up first.  Maybe you have visions of significant redevelopment.
  •  Determine your eligibility  
Funding and technical assistance are available to those who qualify, but determining your eligibility is both critical and tricky.  Your property and you as borrower must meet the requirements.
  • Apply for funding 
Your next step is to find the money to make this redevelopment real.  The Brownfields Coalition funds brownfields cleanup primarily through a revolving loan fund, but there are other funding sources as well.  
  • Assess the cleanup needed 
Assessing the type and severity of the contamination is important. You might think you are dealing with a straightforward cleanup, but surprises are the norm when it comes to brownfields. Knowing what you have upfront helps cleanup later.
  • Get the community involved 
Local communities have a vested economic and social interest in brownfields redevelopment, and government statutes require you to involve the local community. You will need an open process and opportunities for public involvement.
  • Cleanup 
The Brownfields Coalition provides funding for cleanup through the BRLF. The Department of Ecology offers technical assistance for assessments and cleanups.  Ecology can also provide you a "no further action" letter so you can show lenders that you have dealt with the contamination.
  • Take advantage of the resources 
Tackling a brownfield is a huge challenge, but the Brownfields Coalition is here to help make the redevelopment a reality.
 
Brownfields FAQ
  • What is a Brownfield?
    Brownfields are properties that can't easily be built on or redeveloped because they are contaminated with hazardous substances and/or petroleum products. Old factories, industrial areas and waterfronts, drycleaners, gas stations, landfills and rail yards are common brownfield sites.
  • Why are Brownfields important?
    Brownfields need to be redeveloped and put to productive use because otherwise they are a barrier to economic development and a threat to the environment. Building on a brownfield instead of "raw" land also prevents urban sprawl, and it can help revitalize a community.
  • What's the difference between a Superfund site and a brownfield site?
    Superfund sites are formally designated under EPA's Superfund program and pose a significant threat to human health and/or the environment. Brownfields might threaten people and the planet, but they are not managed through one federal program, rather through state and local programs.
  • How do I find if a site is a brownfield?
    The site might be listed in a database.  Check with your Brownfields Coalition partner.  If it is not listed, you might need an initial assessment to find out if it is in fact contaminated.
  • I own a brownfield. Do I have to clean up the contamination before I sell it?
    No, but you might find it easier to sell if it is cleaned up first.
  • If you have other questions not answered here, contact the Brownfields Coalition partner for your area.
 
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