Why are there federal programs to support brownfields?
Brownfields have different cleanup and redevelopment costs and other issues that can hinder private investment. For these reasons, support from the federal government can stimulate interest from other technical and financial sectors to effect results, such as paying for assessments or cleanup costs. In addition, oftentimes the infrastructure in and around brownfields properties is old and dilapidated and needs a public investment to bring it up to today’s standards of transportation, water supplies or electricity. Support for infrastructure also helps to coordinate local, state and federal efforts. When the federal government funds some of these initial costs, revitalization will ultimately be an economic stimulus that contributes tax dollars and other resources back to the community.