Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree today welcomed a total $1.1 million in EPA Brownfields grants for two Maine organizations to provide low-interest loans for the cleanup and redevelopment of polluted sites, but cautioned that this important program has been slated for an over 30 percent cut in President Trump's proposed budget.

"The capital raised through Brownfields investments has been extremely effective in turning community liabilities into assets throughout the state," said Pingree. "These latest grants will help both Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission and Kennebec Valley Council of Governments build on their very successful revolving loan fund programs." 

"These grants are especially helpful in creating new economic activity and jobs here in Maine. While President Trump's budget proposal doesn't eliminate the program-as originally planned-it still makes damaging cuts that would mean fewer economic opportunities for our state in the future," Pingree continued. "I will certainly fight against these cuts on the House Appropriations Committee and intend on asking EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt about them when he appears before my Subcommittee next week."

Funding for the Brownfields program was eliminated in President Trump's original budget outline. Some funding has been restored in the latest proposal, but the program still sustains an over 30 percent cut. 

Pingree is a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior and the Environment, which oversees funding for the EPA. Administrator Pruitt will appear before the subcommittee next Thursday.

Maine grant amounts below: 

• Kennebec Valley Council of Governments in Fairfield, ME ($500,000) 
• Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission in Saco, ME ($600,000)