What criteria did EPA use to select which Superfund remedial projects would receive Recovery Act funding?
EPA focused the stimulus funds at National Priorities List (NPL) sites with unfunded construction projects and at NPL sites with existing construction projects that could benefit from additional funding. Removal projects at non-NPL sites were not eligible for stimulus funding since the legislative language limited the funds to the Superfund remedial (long-term cleanup) program. Key considerations for selecting the Recovery Act projects included the readiness of the project to obligate and expend the stimulus funds quickly; opportunities for immediate short- and longer-term health and environmental benefits; opportunities to reduce project costs and schedules; and environmental justice concerns and benefits.
