Communities considering Brownfields projects should begin preparing now for the next round of federal funding opportunities.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) anticipates releasing its Fiscal Year 2027 Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grant solicitations this fall. Once released, applicants are expected to have approximately 60 days to complete and submit their applications.
EPA has already provided preliminary information for the upcoming competition. Community-wide Assessment Grants are expected to offer up to $500,000, while Assessment Coalition Grants and Revolving Loan Fund Grants may provide up to $1 million. Cleanup Grants are expected to offer up to $500,000, with limited opportunities to request up to $650,000 for a single-site project. EPA does not plan to offer Multipurpose Grants during the FY2027 competition.
There are also several important changes for FY2027. Cleanup and Revolving Loan Fund grants will again require a 20 percent cost share, although certain eligible applicants may request a hardship waiver. EPA has also updated requirements related to site characterization and community notification for Cleanup Grant applicants.
With the application window expected to move quickly once the solicitations are released, now is a good time for Colorado communities to identify potential sites, evaluate eligibility, organize project information, and begin conversations with Brownfields partners.
The Colorado Brownfields Partnership can help communities understand available resources and prepare for upcoming funding opportunities. If your community has a potential Brownfields project or is considering applying for EPA funding, reach out to the CBP team at info@cobrownfieldspartnership.
Stay tuned for additional information once EPA officially releases the FY2027 Brownfields grant solicitations.