Brownfield Redevelopment

Program Overview

In December 2007, Mecosta County signed contract documents with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for $400,000 in Brownfield Assessment Grants: $200,000 for sites believed to be contaminated with non-petroleum based hazardous substances and $200,000 for sites believed to be contaminated with petroleum.  These grants will assist in the characterization and environmental assessment of properties throughout Mecosta County.

Redevelopment and reuse of urbanized areas is an essential component to maintain a vibrant economic foundation in manufacturing and commercial activity while preserving the agricultural heritage of the county.  These grants will also provide the necessary funding to make significant progress toward prioritizing the eventual development of targeted properties.

The assessment grants will enable Mecosta County to prepare an inventory of sites suspected to be contaminated with either hazardous substances or petroleum.  In addition, the grants will allow for the completion of Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessments, Baseline Environmental Assessments, Cleanup Plans (to include but not be limited to Remedial Action and Due Care Plans), and Brownfield Redevelopment Plans on the highest priority sites, or for sites that have an immediate potential for development.

The site inventory will determine the need for additional resources.  If a site is determined to be a Facility, local, state and federal Brownfield incentives can be utilized to redevelop the site.  Once the site inventory has been completed and targeted properties have been assessed, the county will market the sites for development, and may apply for cleanup funds through the State of Michigan’s Revolving Loan Fund or other sources, as well as assist in packaging incentives for developers.

Communities and individuals are encouraged to nominate sites for assessment using the Site Consideration Form .  These nominated sites will then be considered for assessment by the County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, applying a set of criteria used to determine the compatibility of the nominated property with the program objectives.  Properties that are deemed to be eligible for consideration will then be prioritized in order make maximum use of the limited grant funds available.

Those wishing more information on the Mecosta County Brownfield Redevelopment program are encouraged to refer to the County Grant Overview or to contact the Mecosta County Development Corporation toll-free at 1-866-MECOSTA, locally at 231-592-3403, or by email at mecostaedc@co.mecosta.mi.us This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Brownfield Program Accomplishments

To date, Mecosta County has utilized its brownfield assessment grants to leverage over $1,000,000 in private investment, resulting in the retention/creation of nearly 90 jobs in the community.  Several local businesses have relied on the grant program to assist in obtaining financing for property acquisitions or improvements.  Many of these loans have originated from the U.S. Small Businesses Administration (SBA), which has very stringent environmental assessment requirements in order to secure funding.  For example, a local dealership was able to purchase inventory and retain local jobs by utilizing grant funds to qualify for SBA funding.  The grant program has enabled developers to acquire brownfields and evaluate the challenges of site redevelopment.  An environmental evaluation of the former Striketown Bowling Center in Big Rapids Township allowed a developer to renovate the building to house the local Michigan Works! offices.  A local community bank was able to expand their services to customers by relying on the grant program to assist with the acquisition and redevelopment of an abandoned drive-through restaurant.  Mecosta County has also used its grant funds to evaluate the unknown environmental conditions of several vacant properties, thereby making the sites more marketable.  The County’s grant program continues to fuel the momentum of local economic development by acting as a catalyst in the creation of new businesses that support the community.  Projects completed to date under the grant program are listed below.

A map showing the locations of these sites can be accessed here.

Brownfield Authority Board Members

Members of the Brownfield Authority Board are listed below.  Board members are appointed by the County Board of Commissioners for three year terms that can be renewed at the discretion of the County Board.  In addition, the County Administrator and the Executive Director of the Mecosta County Development Corporation serve as resource and support staff to the Authority Board.  The Brownfield Authority has been empowered by the County Board of Commissioners to oversee the implementation of the county's Brownfield Redevelopment Program and to make recommendations concerning the use of environmental grant funds.

  
   Support Staff:   
   Paul Bullock, Ex Officio
   400 Elm St.
   Big Rapids, MI  49307

   William R. Mrdeza, Recording Secretary
   246 N. State St.
   Big Rapids, MI  49307