EPA awards $1.2M to revitalize N.O.-area brownfields

New Orleans CityBusiness, Jul 20, 2007

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded New Orleans $1 million to revitalize three abandoned wharfs along a portion of the Mississippi Riverfront slated for development.

New Orleans leaders plan to use the brownfields grant to redevelop the wharfs along Market, Celeste and Orange streets as part of the proposed Riverfront Park project, the EPA said.

Brownfields are vacant, abandoned or under-used properties that often remain undeveloped due to contamination or the perception of contamination.

EPA also said it has awarded a $200,000 brownfields grant to Progressive Church in Marrero. The church is completing cleanup of a 20-acre site that it plans to redevelop into a Family Life Center, school, day care facility and affordable housing center for seniors.