Brownfields Program

Spokane Valley’s Brownfields Reuse Program

Spokane Valley’s Brownfields Reuse Program helps minimize the risks of redeveloping a brownfield (a possibly contaminated site). The program seeks funding to conduct site assessments and cleanup activities on public and private property. It also provides technical assistance and information on statewide programs and policies. We also serve as a resource for potential applicants of the state Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund.

What is a brownfield?

A brownfield is any previously used property, which may also be blighted, abandoned, or underutilized, and may have environmental contamination. Brownfields are common in communities of all sizes — they may be old gas stations, dry cleaners, industrial facilities, smelters, or former agricultural land. It is estimated that there are more than 450,000 brownfields in the U.S. and more than 2,200 in Washington. Negative perceptions of brownfields and potential environmental liability concerns can complicate redevelopment plans. Developers and property owners encounter brownfields as they plan to redevelop/reuse older sites.

Where are brownfields typically located?

Brownfield sites can be found practically anywhere. They may have been contaminated during former use, including sites once used for gas stations, dry cleaners, factories, warehouses, railroad switching yards, landfills, parking lots, etc.

What help and opportunities exist for brownfield cleanup?

Brownfields are often located in highly desirable areas for development, but contamination concerns can stymie redevelopment on that site and the adjacent properties. Cleaning up and reusing these properties increases local tax bases, facilitates job growth, utilizes existing infrastructure, takes development pressures off undeveloped, open land, and improves and protects the environment. Our toolbox of resources and assistance is complex and may not be able to assist in every case, but we are here to help find assistance that aligns with your needs. Please contact the City.

Additional Resources

WA Department of Ecology Success Stories

Brownfields funding opportunities in Washington State. Download a comprehensive list of federal and state funding and technical assistance opportunities for redeveloping brownfields in Washington.

Affordable housing planning grants assess contamination at a site and determine whether an affordable housing project is viable. They also fund community outreach and affordable housing-related cleanup. Why is Ecology supporting affordable housing developments? Washington is in dire need of affordable housing across the state. Contamination, or even the suspicion of contamination, drives up housing development costs. The high cost leaves little incentive for developers to build affordable housing.

The WA State Department of Commerce team manages Washington's Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF) Program. The BRLF helps local and regional governments, non-profits, and private businesses cleanup and redevelop brownfield sites and provides technical assistance to people interested in redeveloping properties.

The EPA Brownfields Program provides grant funding for brownfields assessment, cleanup, revolving loans, environmental job training, technical assistance, and research.