Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Often the potential liability associated with contamination complicates business development, property transactions or expansion on the property. By investigating and cleaning up a brownfields property and taking care of the site's possible health or environmental risks, communities can use local land again producing jobs, increasing the tax base or adding other benefits such as creating a park or residential area.

Every city and county, in both rural and urban areas, has abandoned, underutilized, and potentially contaminated properties. The Ground Water Quality Program currently has programs available to assist with the redevelopment of brownfields. Listed above are some federal and state programs and funding sources commonly used to assist in the investigation, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields sites.

For more information on the Federal Brownfields Program, visit EPA's web site