Submitted by U.S. House of Representatives
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded a $600,000 Brownfield Grant to the City of Olympia during a press conference today. The grant will enable the city to assess sites and develop plans for the cleanup of hazardous substances along the West Bay shoreline.
“This award is a major step forward that will help beautify and preserve Olympia’s cherished West Bay shoreline, as well as improve the environmental health of communities across South Sound,” said U.S. Senator Patty Murray. “As a voice for our state in the Senate, I will continue fighting to secure federal investments that help restore and protect our iconic landscape for future generations.”
“The redevelopment of contaminated brownfield sites is an opportunity for new growth. This grant funding will help lead to new economic opportunities and improved quality of life for residents in the West Bay Park area,” said U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.
“I congratulate the City of Olympia on securing this grant to improve and restore contaminated sites,” said Congressman Denny Heck. “I also thank the EPA and the Region 10 administration and staff for recognizing the importance of this project. Cleaning and restoring contaminated sites in our city and along our shoreline will help to revitalize our state capital and aid in the recovery of Puget Sound.”
“We’re grateful to the EPA for awarding our jurisdictions the Brownfield Grant,” said Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby. “It will help foster innovative partnerships between the City, the Port of Olympia, and the Metropolitan Parks District to address land contamination and support our revitalization and environmental goals.”
“The Port of Olympia looks forward to working with the EPA, City of Olympia, and Olympia Metro Parks,” said Port Commissioner Bill McGregor. “Serving as an environmental steward is part of our core mission, in alignment with our community’s passion for sustainability, and our commitment to protecting the resources we depend on. This grant allows the Port to continue to play a role in brownfield remediation.”
Also in attendance at the press conference were EPA Region 10 Administrator Chris Hladick and EPA Washington Operations Office Director Lucy Edmondson.
The EPA’s Brownfields Program assists state, local, and tribal entities by providing grant funding and technical assistance in the cleanup and restoration of contaminated sites.
Feautured photo credit: Diane Waiste
