Duluth Receives Grant from EPA for Brownfield Redevelopment

The grant will create a revolving loan program which redevelopers could apply for and use on brownfield projects.

Duluth has received a grant from the EPA in the amount of $650,000 to create a new loan program that will help turn brownfields into green cash.

The city of Duluth sees the potential for economic development in the brownfields.

“We have a tremendous opportunity as it comes to revitalizing brownfields and turning current blight or current under development into opportunities for economic expansion in our community,” said Duluth Mayor Emily Larson.

Grant funds are for sites that are city-wide with an emphasis on those in close along the St. Louis River Corridor.

“We are very,very excited to make this announcement. We encourage businesses to call our offices to find out if this revolving loan fund is a tool that we can use to advance your own business and your vision,” said Larson.

Applicants for the loan must own the land for redevelopment and they will be eligible for loans up to $200,000.

“For the right project the right developer, this is a tool that can help make it possible to create very exciting projects,” said Heidi Timm-Bijold, Duluth Business Resource Manager.

The city sees the success and awards that previous cleanup efforts like Pier B and Clyde Iron Works has received and believes the brownfields could become fields of dreams.

“We look very forward to see what will grow and what will happen,” said Larson.

The loans are available for profits, non-profits, and other branches of government.

Applicants will also need to provide a twenty percent match of loan funds.

The project still needs the approval of the city council.