Community Revitalization Program

The Community Revitalization Program is administered by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) through its Site Cleanup Assistance Program (SCAP). The program is designed to support local governments in addressing environmental contamination issues that hinder redevelopment and productive reuse of properties. DEQ, as the state agency responsible for environmental protection and remediation, leverages this program to improve public health outcomes, reduce environmental hazards, and stimulate economic revitalization across communities in Oklahoma. The primary purpose of the program is to fund and coordinate cleanup activities focused primarily on asbestos, lead-based paint, and lead dust abatement. These contaminants are commonly found in older or abandoned structures and present significant health risks. In certain cases, properties with other environmental contaminants may also be considered, particularly if they pose an imminent and substantial threat to human health or the environment. The program aims to remove barriers to redevelopment, enabling properties to be repurposed for business, government, or community use, thereby increasing local tax bases and creating jobs. Funding through this program is limited and awarded competitively based on a structured ranking process. Rather than distributing funds directly to applicants, DEQ manages and oversees remediation activities, including hiring contractors and coordinating cleanup efforts. Once a project is selected, DEQ assigns a project manager who works with the applicant to execute agreements, conduct site visits, and oversee the abatement process through completion. Upon completion, DEQ provides a final remediation report and files a notice documenting the cleanup activities and any applicable restrictions. Eligibility for the program is restricted to local government entities, specifically cities and counties that own properties requiring environmental cleanup. Applicants must demonstrate ownership and provide documentation such as property deeds, environmental assessments, and redevelopment plans. Priority is given to communities with smaller populations and limited resources, and projects must not fall under other regulatory programs such as Superfund or RCRA. Eligibility alone does not guarantee selection, as applications are evaluated based on ranking criteria including community benefit, redevelopment readiness, and cost considerations. The application process requires several steps, beginning with an environmental assessment conducted either independently or through the Brownfields Program. Applicants must then submit a completed application along with supporting documentation, including site photos, floor plans if available, cost estimates, and redevelopment plans. Applications are reviewed by a DEQ team of experts who score each project using a ranking tool. The average score determines prioritization for funding and project selection. Applications are accepted on a rolling, year-round basis, with selections and notifications issued no later than July 1 each cycle. Cleanup activities are tentatively scheduled to occur between August 1 and the end of February. Applicants are notified whether they are selected, not selected, or deemed ineligible. Those not selected but eligible may reapply in future cycles. The program does not specify a fixed award amount, as funding is allocated based on project needs and availability. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program representative, Trenton Wilhelm, via phone or email. The program emphasizes collaboration between DEQ and local governments to ensure safe, effective, and efficient remediation of hazardous sites, ultimately contributing to healthier and more economically vibrant communities across Oklahoma.

Emphasize clear redevelopment plans strong community benefit and job creation potential and provide detailed documentation to improve ranking score