Newark is among 144 communities selected for brownfields environmental Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund and Cleanup grants.Two grants totaling $400,000 will provide the city with funding to assess, clean up and redevelop underutilized properties while protecting public health and the environment.



“EPA’s Brownfields Program expands the ability of communities to recycle vacant and abandoned properties for new, productive reuses, using existing infrastructure,” EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt said. “These grants leverage other public and private investments, and improve local economies through property cleanup and redevelopment.”



The Brownfields Program targets economically disadvantaged communities, providing funding and assistance to transform blighted sites into assets that can generate jobs and spur economic growth.



Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said the funds would add value to the city’s plan to remediate brownfields.



“We are excited and committed to the environment, Newark’s green future, as just last week we announced our 2020 sustainability action plan,” Baraka said.



Part of the grant will be used to clean up a former gas station site, as well as a former meat rendering plant.

