Western Connecticut Council of Governments
WestCOG Brownfields Program

WestCOG Brownfields Program

WestCOG Brownfields Program

The WestCOG Brownfields Program provides technical support to WestCOG member communities to assess, remediate, and ultimately redevelop brownfields. These efforts will improve public health, encourage economic growth and revitalize blighted properties into community assets. Contact WestCOG staff Jaclyn Reelick or Betsy Paynter to start the process today.

Jaclyn Reelick, Project Manager
jreelick@westcog.org | (475) 323-2067

Betsy Paynter, Senior Project Manager
bpaynter@westcog.org | (475) 323-2069

What is a brownfield?

A brownfield is defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as “a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.”

What are the benefits of cleaning up and redeveloping a brownfield?

Figure 1: Benefits of Brownfield Redevelopment, DECD

What are potential redevelopment opportunities for communities?

  • Affordable housing
  • Greenspace (parks, trails, gardens, etc)
  • Community Centers
  • Shopping Centers
  • And so much more!
Figure 2: Proposed Redevelopment Strategies with corresponding programs, DECD

UConn Technical Assistance to Brownfields (UConn TAB)

UCONN TAB is a FREE resource for the following:

  • Document and grant proposal review
  • Guidance with regulatory, technical and economic issues
  • Planning and organization of community engagement actions
  • Continuing education on diverse topics related to brownfields

CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Office of Brownfields Remediation and Development (OBRD)

State brownfields funding is available through the DECD OBRD which conducts two rounds of funding per year. For more information on DECD OBRD’s funding programs, and to check for funding announcements.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The EPA provides many funding opportunities to aid in the redevelopment of brownfield sites including: Assessment Grants, Cleanup grants, Multipurpose Grants, Revolving Loan Funds, Job Training Grants, Technical Assistance