Brownfield Site Assessment Grant Program

The Brownfield Site Assessment Grant Program is administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) as part of its Business and Community Development efforts to support redevelopment across the state. Established under Wisconsin statute, the program is designed to assist local governmental units in addressing environmental uncertainties that hinder redevelopment of industrial and commercial properties. These sites, often referred to as brownfields, are typically abandoned, idle, or underutilized due to suspected or known contamination. By providing financial support for environmental assessments and related activities, the program enables communities to move properties toward productive reuse and economic revitalization. The primary purpose of the program is to fund environmental investigation and site preparation activities that help determine the extent of contamination and prepare sites for redevelopment. Eligible uses of funds include Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments, demolition of existing structures when necessary to facilitate investigation, asbestos abatement tied to demolition, and removal of hazardous materials such as underground storage tanks or abandoned containers. The program explicitly excludes costs related to new construction, indirect construction expenses, and most property acquisition costs, although acquisition may sometimes be considered as part of matching funds. Funding is structured as grants of up to 150,000 dollars per recipient per fiscal year, with total program funding for the fiscal year set at approximately 1,000,000 dollars. Each applicant must provide a minimum matching contribution of 20 percent of the grant award. Matching funds may come from a variety of sources, including local financing mechanisms, private investment, or other grants. The program is designed to leverage additional investment, with expectations that funded projects will attract further financial participation and support redevelopment outcomes. Eligibility is limited to local governmental units, including cities, villages, towns, counties, redevelopment authorities, and Tribal governments. Applicants must demonstrate that they did not cause the environmental contamination and that the responsible party is unknown, cannot be located, or is financially unable to address the issue. Additionally, applicants must show legal ownership of or access to the property and confirm that the site is adversely impacted by actual or perceived contamination. The site must consist of industrial or commercial property with redevelopment potential. The application process is continuous, meaning there is no fixed deadline for submission. Interested applicants are encouraged to first contact a WEDC account manager to discuss project eligibility and alignment with program goals. Once a project is deemed suitable, applicants are invited to submit a formal application through the Network Wisconsin system. Applications are reviewed by WEDC underwriters, who evaluate factors such as project readiness, financial commitment, community impact, environmental benefits, and alignment with local or regional economic development strategies. Evaluation criteria emphasize the applicant’s ability to complete environmental activities, the potential public health and environmental benefits, and the likelihood of successful redevelopment. Additional considerations include the economic condition of the community, the site’s location relative to economic centers, demonstrated private sector interest, and the clarity and credibility of project cost estimates. Projects that incorporate diverse contractors or are located in economically distressed areas may receive additional consideration. Awardees are required to submit annual performance reports detailing project progress and expenditures. Records must be maintained for at least three years following the final report, and projects may be subject to audit. The program operates on a recurring basis with ongoing intake, allowing communities to apply as opportunities arise. This flexible structure supports timely intervention in redevelopment projects and ensures that environmental barriers do not indefinitely delay community and economic development initiatives.

Ensure detailed third party cost estimates and clearly demonstrate redevelopment impact and environmental benefit