A brownfield is a property for which the redevelopment or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, takes development pressures off of undeveloped, open land, and both improves and protects the environment. Many brownfield sites are located in economically distressed areas. These funds are available to non-profit organizations, local governments, or community organizations for the assessment, cleanup, or redevelopment of brownfield sites, through The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) accepts applications for these funds on a rolling basis and prioritizes eligible projects in disproportionately impacted communities. Through December 2023, 46% of brownfield assessment projects and 50% of brownfield cleanup projects are located in disadvantaged communities.
