Idaho Environmental Guide for Local Governments: Brownfields
Brownfields are properties for which expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Abandoned or underutilized properties result in wasted infrastructure, development of green space on the edge of town, and blight in urban and neighborhood areas. Communities may struggle to find new uses for brownfields, whether as a neighborhood park or as a new commercial or retail use, until environmental issues are resolved. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases; facilitates job growth; utilizes existing infrastructure; takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land; and improves and protects the environment.
The Idaho Brownfields Program provides cost-free assessments for eligible applicants to address known or perceived contamination issues at proposed development projects or abandoned or underutilized properties in communities. Assessments are us to evaluate the potential for Brownfields funds or assistance.