Bill > SB0898

This bill establishes a new "brownfield redevelopment grant and revolving loan program" within the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act to fund eligible activities on eligible properties with redevelopment potential, aiming to encourage economic development on contaminated or underutilized sites. The program, administered by the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), will provide grants and loans to local units of government, which are defined as counties, cities, villages, townships, or their agencies, as well as brownfield redevelopment authorities. Eligible activities include environmental assessments, investigations, due care activities (actions to protect public health and the environment), response activities (cleanup of contamination), and removal of certain hazardous materials and debris, with specific limitations on the cost of non-environmental cleanup activities. To receive funding, applicants must demonstrate administrative capability, a plan for future maintenance, a recent financial audit or emergency manager appointment, and no responsibility for causing the contamination, among other criteria. Grants and loans are capped at $2 million per project, though projects with significant economic and environmental benefits may receive additional funding if they meet specific benchmarks. The bill also modifies existing programs, such as the Clean Michigan Initiative grant and revolving loan program, by directing projects approved after its effective date to follow the new Part 192 criteria, effectively consolidating brownfield redevelopment funding and oversight under the new program. Funding for the program will come from various sources, including the Clean Michigan Initiative bond fund and the revitalization revolving loan fund, and loan repayments will be deposited back into these funds. The bill also outlines application procedures, review considerations focusing on economic and environmental benefits, and reporting requirements for funded projects.