Brownfields Buzz

Your hub for brownfields spotlights, tools, events, news, and more!

May 2025

Spotlight

Congratulations to the 2025 MARC Grant Winners!

The U.S. EPA recently announced $267 million in funding in brownfields grants, and we’re thrilled to say congratulations to the many communities whose efforts have come to fruition. These awards are a testament to the incredible work happening across the country to transform contaminated, underused properties into spaces that support vibrant communities and local economies.

Want to learn more? You can read the full list of grant recipients on the EPA'S website.

Didn't receive funding? You're not alone—and KSU TAB is here to help you polish your proposal!

Securing an EPA grant isn't easy, but KSU TAB is here to support you as you strengthen your proposal for the next grant application cycle. Our team offers tailored guidance to help communities better understand what makes a competitive application.

How can KSU TAB help?

From aligning project goals with EPA priorities and strengthening community engagement strategies, we know what sets a good application apart from an outstanding one. Our expert staff will guide you through the grant application process and provide you with the tools and resources needed to succeed.

We also provide: free one-on-one support, templates, useful best practices, proposal reviews, e-tools to track and store your data, grant-writing workshops, and webinars to help improve your odds of locking down an EPA Brownfield grant in FY26. Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn, and be sure to check out our Events webpage regularly to stay up-to-date.

And if you'd like to get in touch with a team member at KSU TAB, fill out this brief form and we'll get back to you soon!

Toolbox

Explore Sites with Confidence Using the PEER Tool

Before investing time and resources into a potential brownfield site, it’s crucial to understand its environmental history—and that’s where the Platform for Exploring Environmental Records (PEER) Tool comes in. Developed by Community Lattice, PEER is a free, interactive mapping tool that compiles publicly available environmental records and presents them in a user-friendly format.

Many communities struggle to locate or interpret environmental data in the early stages of redevelopment. PEER helps level the playing field by offering instant access to federal records that can inform grant applications, community outreach, and site planning.

Each site listing in PEER includes a Revitalization Risk Rating (RRR)—a 0 to 5 scale developed by environmental professionals to indicate the potential for contamination. While this score is not a replacement for professional evaluations, it provides a useful first-glance indicator of potential risk and helps you determine how to proceed.

Important note: PEER uses federal data, which varies by state and may contain gaps or inconsistencies. Users should supplement PEER findings with state or local environmental records and always consult qualified professionals to confirm site conditions.

Try PEER today to get a head start on your next brownfields project—and don't hesitate to reach out to us if you need help interpreting your findings or incorporating them into your proposal.

Events

Webinar: Brownfield Boost! Unlocking Resources to Revitalize Your Blighted Properties

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | 10:00–11:00 AM (CDT)

Join us for a free, one-hour webinar designed to empower Missouri communities with the tools and knowledge to take on brownfield redevelopment. This session will highlight essential resources and partnerships that can help transform blighted properties into community assets.

This webinar will cover:

What brownfields are and why they matter for community revitalization
Free support and services available through MoDNR, EPA, and KSU TAB
How to get started—or move forward—with a brownfield project in your community

News & Noteworthy

Applications Are Now Open for

the 2025 Perfect Pitch Competition!

Do you have a bold vision for a brownfield site in your community but aren't sure how to pitch it to the EPA? This is your chance to present your redevelopment plan to a panel of expert judges and win pro bono consulting support to help bring your project to life. This year, all three finalists will receive pro bono support worth up to $50,000.

Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your proposal strategy, this is an opportunity to gain expert insight, attract attention, and take great strides in bringing your community's vision to life.

Finalists will pitch live at the 2025 National Brownfields Training Conference, August 5–8 in Chicago

Don't let this opportunity pass you by—start your application today!

Deadline to apply is June 27.

Follow your KSU TAB Team on LinkedIn and Facebook!

Visit our website at www.ksutab.org.