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Brownfield Assessment Grants for States and Tribes (United States)

Deadline: 28-Jan-2026

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is now accepting applications for Brownfield Assessment Grants for States and Tribes, providing up to $2,000,000 per award to support environmental site assessments, community engagement, and reuse planning. With a $35 million national funding pool and a five-year project period, these grants enable States and Tribal Nations to prioritize and plan for the cleanup and revitalization of brownfield sites.

Overview of Brownfield Assessment Grants for States and Tribes

These grants help State agencies and federally recognized Tribal Nations develop the knowledge and infrastructure needed to assess, plan, and prepare brownfield sites for future cleanup and reuse. Brownfield sites may be complicated by the presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, contaminants, petroleum, or controlled substances.

Key objectives include:

  • Creating comprehensive inventories of brownfield sites.

  • Prioritizing sites for assessment and potential reuse.

  • Engaging communities in decision-making processes.

  • Conducting Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments.

  • Developing cleanup and reuse plans aligned with local and Tribal priorities.

  • Creating area-wide strategies for multiple sites.

  • Ensuring inclusive participation and tracking environmental and health outcomes.

These activities support EPA goals of restoring contaminated land, promoting sustainable redevelopment, enhancing public health, and advancing environmental justice.

Funding Details

  • Maximum Grant Amount: $2,000,000 per award.

  • Total National Funding Pool: $35,000,000.

  • Number of Awards: Approximately 18 nationwide.

  • Project Period: Five years.

  • Use Restrictions: Funds cannot be used for cleanup, proposal preparation, fines, penalties, lobbying, or other ineligible costs.

  • Administrative Costs: Limited to 5% of total grant.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

  • State agencies responsible for environmental management.

  • Federally recognized Tribal Nations (with exceptions for most in Alaska).

  • Alaska Native Regional Corporations, Alaska Native Village Corporations, and the Metlakatla Indian Community.

Ineligible applicants: Individuals, for-profit companies, and non-qualifying entities.

Why It Matters

  • Enables States and Tribal Nations to systematically address brownfield contamination.

  • Supports long-term revitalization strategies for communities historically affected by contamination.

  • Promotes equitable redevelopment, environmental justice, and improved public health.

  • Provides structured planning for future cleanup and reuse, ensuring sustainability.

How to Apply / How It Works

  1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organization qualifies under EPA statutory requirements.

  2. Identify Target Sites: Develop an inventory and select at least five brownfield sites across three or more areas.

  3. Engage Communities: Include community members in planning, prioritization, and decision-making.

  4. Develop Assessments and Plans: Conduct Phase I and Phase II assessments and create cleanup and reuse strategies.

  5. Prepare Application: Include project scope, budget, timeline, outputs, and outcome metrics.

  6. Submit Proposal: Follow official EPA guidance for application submission.

  7. Implement Project: Execute assessments, planning, and community engagement over a five-year period.

  8. Report and Track Outcomes: Measure outputs such as number of assessments, community meetings, and developed plans, and report environmental and economic benefits.

Common Tips & Best Practices

  • Conduct early community outreach to ensure broad participation.

  • Align reuse plans with local and Tribal priorities for sustainability.

  • Clearly outline performance metrics for assessments, engagement, and planning outcomes.

  • Maintain strict compliance with procurement rules for contractors and subrecipients.

  • Focus on long-term benefits in environmental and economic terms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to $2,000,000 per award.
2. Can funds be used for cleanup? No, funds are strictly for assessments, planning, and community engagement.
3. How long is the project period? Five years.
4. Who can apply? Eligible State agencies, federally recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, Village Corporations, and the Metlakatla Indian Community.
5. How many sites must be prioritized? At least five sites across three or more target areas.
6. Are administrative costs covered? Yes, up to 5% of the total grant.
7. How will projects be evaluated? Based on reuse vision, community involvement, compliance with EPA rules, and expected environmental and economic outcomes.

Conclusion

The Brownfield Assessment Grants for States and Tribes provide essential funding to assess, plan, and prepare brownfield sites for future cleanup and redevelopment. By combining environmental assessments, community engagement, and strategic planning, these grants strengthen community resilience, promote equitable redevelopment, and advance environmental justice across the United States.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.