By MIKE FAHER
More cash is on the way for Johnstown officials’ continuing effort to clean up vacant, polluted properties.
U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, on Tuesday announced a $900,000 federal grant for Johnstown Redevelopment Authority to address “brownfield” sites.
The grant, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency via the federal economic-stimulus program, could help fund projects beyond city limits.
“It could be used in any sites in the county,” said Ron Repak, redevelopment authority executive director.
The authority plans to redistribute the cash: Government entities or nonprofits are eligible for grants, Repak said, while for-profit businesses can obtain low-interest loans.
The city has been recognized for its efforts to redevelop brownfields, which are not necessarily limited to former industrial sites.
For example, Repak said officials have agreed to loan brownfield money to the new owners of the downtown’s Conrad Building, which needs major structural renovations.
A recent example of a more-traditional brownfield project is the former Planing Mill site in Hornerstown. Officials used federal funds to clear and clean up that site, which now is for sale.
Johnstown Redevelopment Authority “has had much success with turning problem properties into productive space,” Murtha said in a prepared statement issued Tuesday.
“I applaud their efforts, and this funding is yet another example of federal stimulus funds being put to good use here in Johnstown,” the congressman said.
The authority also has had much success in luring federal funds for such projects. Earlier this year, officials landed a $360,000 grant for assessment of brownfield sites.
And in 2007, the EPA awarded $1.2 million to the authority, $1 million of which was targeted for brownfield cleanup grants and loans.
Repak said assessing and removing pollution and hazardous materials is essential to attracting new tenants to vacant properties. Expanding companies generally are not interested in investing extra money for site cleanup, he said.
“It’s a critical element of development,” he said.
