Applications received by March 31, 2004, will be evaluated for immediate funding, based on funding availability. After that date, applications will be accepted on a continuous basis and evaluated against program criteria to determine subsequent awards with any remaining funding.

Brownfields are generally considered to be abandoned, idle, or underutilized industrial or commercial properties where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination. Brownfield grants and loans are available to assist communities to bring new development to brownfield properties. Grants and loans can be combined with other tools, such as tax increment financing and Single Business Tax credit, to successfully redevelop brownfield sites.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm recently signed new legislation to redirect $55 million in Clean Michigan Initiative funds to the Brownfield Grants and Loans Program. Grant and loan awards will be contingent on the appropriation of this funding as well as the sale of CMI bonds.