SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
The City of Sparks recently received a $400,000 grant from the Brownfields Program through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which will allow commercial and industrial property owners to receive free environmental assessments.
“This grant will enable commercial property owners the opportunity to prepare their property for sale or redevelopment at no cost to them,” Karen Melby, Senior Planner with City of Sparks Community Development, said.
Commercial or industry property owners or brokers who own land located in Redevelopment Areas 1 and 2 in the City of Sparks are eligible for this program. Developers looking to purchase and redevelop specific properties in these areas are also eligible for this program. This grant opportunity can save property owners up to $5,000, the typical cost of a Phase I assessment.
“Even property owners who do not have immediate plans to sell or redevelop their property should participate in this program. Banks will require a statement of environmental condition before issuing a loan. Through this grant, opportunity property owners, as well as individuals looking to purchase property for redevelopment, receive these services at no cost,” Melby said.
The City of Sparks has opportunity to use this grant money to create opportunities to clean up properties, making them eligible for redevelopment and reuse. Property owners will work directly with the City during this process and receive a Phase I assessment of their property.
There have been several successful local Brownfields projects to date. Parcels that were previously contaminated, restored and redeveloped include the Reno Events Center and the new Walmart on East Second Street. The City of Sparks is hosting a public workshop regarding the Brownfields grant to cover how commercial and industry property owners and brokers can benefit from the program. The workshop will take place on Thursday, Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. at the City of Sparks Police Station Training Room located at 1701 E. Prater Way.
