FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cortland County Industrial Development Agency and Business Development Cortland Awarded $500,000 EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant
May 20, 2025 – Cortland, NY – The Cortland County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and Business Development Cortland (BDC) are pleased to announce the receipt of a $500,000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Assessment Grant. This funding will support the identification, assessment, and revitalization of vacant, underutilized, and potentially contaminated sites throughout Cortland County.
The four-year grant will enable the IDA and BDC to:
- Compile a prioritized inventory of brownfield sites across the county.
- Conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) to evaluate potential contamination.
- Develop cleanup and reuse plans for eligible sites.
- Attend EPA National Brownfields Conferences to stay informed on best practices.
- Engage with the community through public events and website support.
Priority areas for assessment include the City of Cortland, the Village of Homer, and other identified sites. However, the grant allows for flexibility, enabling assessments to be conducted throughout the entire county.
“This grant is a significant step forward in our efforts to transform underutilized properties into assets that can drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for our residents,” said Melanie Vilardi, Executive Director of the Cortland County IDA. “By addressing environmental concerns and planning for sustainable reuse, we are laying the groundwork for a more vibrant and resilient Cortland County.”
The EPA’s Brownfields Program empowers communities to assess, clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfield sites, promoting economic redevelopment and environmental protection. The Cortland County IDA and BDC are committed to leveraging this funding to foster a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous future for all county residents.
For more information on the EPA Brownfields Program, visit www.epa.gov/brownfields.