Brownfield Redevelopment

What is a Brownfield?
A Brownfield is defined as "a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant."  

Brownfield redevelopment offers important benefits; however, Brownfields present challenges to potential developers.  Brownfield remediation and redevelopment benefits include:

  • greater economic opportunities
  • a cleaner environment
  • potential removal of blight
  • less sprawl

Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
On September 21, 2006 the Osceola County Board of Commissioners created, by resolution, the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (OCBRA).  The OCBRA was created in order to promote countywide planning and implementation of Brownfield redevelopment in Osceola County. 

The OCBRA assists in the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of these properties through the use of tax increment financing, and state and federal grant and loan programs.  Overall direction of the OCBRA is provided by an appointed board.  Day-to-day management is the responsibility of the Osceola County Community Development office, (231) 832-7397.

Grant History
2007-2012:  $400,000 Assessment Grant; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): In 2007 Osceola County received a $400,000 Brownfield Assessment grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  From 2007-2012 the Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority completed 40 Environmental Site Assessments, 9 Baseline Environmental Assessments, 4 Due Care Plans, and 1 Brownfield Plan.  The $400,000 EPA grant resulted in private sector investments of $26,550,000, 109 temporary jobs, and 147 full-time jobs.

2018-2021:  $83,000 Assessment Grant; Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ):  In 2018 Osceola County received an $83,000 Brownfield Assessment grant from the MDEQ (now Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes & Energy).  The Osceola County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority is used the grant to conduct site assessments at four sites in order to facilitate the sale of property to three businesses and remove blight at one other site.