Are brownfields redevelopment activities eligible for CDBG funds?
The Community Development Block Grant program is one of the first tools that cities turn to when trying to revitalize distressed communities. HUD awards CDBG funds directly to metropolitan cities and urban counties (entitlement communities) or to States for distribution to nonentitlement communities. In 1998, Congress passed legislation as part of the HUD Appropriations Act includes brownfields as an eligible CDBG activity: For fiscal years 1998, 1999, and all fiscal years thereafter, States and entitlement communities may use funds allocated under the community development block grant program under title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 for environmental cleanup and economic development activities related to Brownfields projects in conjunction with the appropriate environmental regulatory agencies, as if such activities were eligible under section 105 (a) of such Act.
