Tonko Cheers $1.5 Million for Montgomery County to Cleanup Brownfield Sites

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) announced that Montgomery County is being awarded $1.5 million for a Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment and Cleanup (MAC) Assessment Coalition Grant. The funding, awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be used to conduct environmental site assessments and support cleanup plans for several sites across the county. “For decades, the Brownfields Program has helped breathe new life into communities across our nation, bolstering local economies, creating new jobs, supporting environmental justice communities and protecting public health,” said Congressman Tonko, Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment . “Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve worked to support this worthy program and bring these sweeping benefits to our Capital Region and beyond. I’m thrilled to see this significant funding that will create new opportunities for those who call Montgomery County home and strengthen our region for years to come.” EPA’s Brownfields Program provides grants and technical assistance to communities, states, tribes and others to assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse contaminated properties. Tonko has long supported brownfield renewal efforts and pushed for funding provided in this program. The funding for Montgomery County is one of more than a dozen awardees in New York receiving a total of over $14 million in Brownfields program funding. The grant for Montgomery will be used to inventory and prioritize sites and conduct 26 Phase I and 11 Phase II environmental site assessments. Grant funds will also be used to develop ten cleanup plans and five site reuse assessments, and support community engagement activities. Assessment activities will focus on the Village of St. Johnsville, the Village of Nelliston’s Brownfield Opportunity Area, and the City of Amsterdam’s East End Brownfield Opportunity Area. Priority sites include a 3.7-acre unsecured former industrial property abandoned since the 1990s, a 5.3-acre former carpet mill, and a 2.2-acre lot used for cheese production from the 1940s until it was abandoned in the 1990s.