West Cook News

Cook County has secured a $950,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to bolster its Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). This initiative, managed by the Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES), aims to revitalize polluted or underused properties into community assets through low-interest loans.

"The Brownfield RLF drives economic growth, creates new housing, opens green spaces and more – all for communities that have shouldered the burden of pollution for years," stated Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. She emphasized the importance of investing in programs that clean up contaminated brownfields as a means to achieve environmental justice and empower underserved communities.

Cook County was among 31 high-performing Brownfield RLF Grant Programs chosen by the EPA for supplemental funding. The funds will be used to provide new loans for remediation efforts at additional sites. These projects are expected to deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits such as job training, increased green space, and floodwater retention.

Since 2014, Cook County's brownfield program has leveraged federal funding to complete projects at over 127 sites across suburban areas. Property owners who did not cause contamination can apply for loans through the RLF, with priority given to sites in under-resourced communities. Funds are available until 2029 or until fully expended.

For further details, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/service/brownfield-redevelopment.