Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall has expressed his appreciation for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's decision to allocate nearly $4 million in Brownfields Grants to aid Kansas communities. The funding is part of a broader initiative announced by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, aimed at revitalizing areas affected by contamination.

“I am grateful to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for awarding nearly $4 million to the Sunflower State,” Senator Marshall stated. He emphasized that the funds would support community revitalization, foster growth opportunities, and protect public health in Kansas.

Administrator Zeldin highlighted the broader impact of the grants, noting that “The $267 million in Brownfield Grants will transform contaminated properties into valuable spaces for businesses and housing.” He added that under President Donald Trump’s leadership, the EPA aims to balance environmental stewardship with economic prosperity.

EPA Region 7 Administrator Jim Macy praised the collaborative efforts between federal and local entities in Kansas: “This collaborative approach ensures fiscal responsibility, promotes economic development, and transforms potentially contaminated properties into clean, usable land.”

Kansas Department of Health and Environment Secretary Janet Stanek remarked on the potential economic benefits: “Receiving these substantial dollars... elevates communities and industries by turning underutilized and vacant properties into productive ones.”

Mitchell County Economic Development Director Emily Benedick shared her community's enthusiasm about the grant: “The City of Beloit is incredibly grateful... This funding enables our community to repurpose two vacant buildings into housing.”

The grants are part of a long-standing program initiated in 1995. Since its inception, EPA’s Brownfields program has provided approximately $2.9 billion for cleanup efforts nationwide. These investments have leveraged over $42 billion from various sources and created more than 220,500 jobs.