The Ark-Tex Council of Governments (ATCOG) has been awarded a $1.5 million Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), providing new opportunities to help communities identify, assess and plan for the redevelopment of properties impacted by environmental contamination.
As the lead agency, ATCOG will partner with communities throughout Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas to transform underutilized properties into assets that can support economic growth, improve public spaces and strengthen neighborhoods.
What Is a Brownfield?
A brownfield is a property where redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants. Before these sites can be redeveloped, communities often need environmental assessments and planning to determine the best path forward.
The EPA’s Brownfields Program helps communities safely evaluate and prepare these properties for future investment, reducing environmental risks while creating opportunities for new development.
Communities That Will Benefit
The grant will support projects in:
- Omaha, Texas
- Paris, Texas
- Atlanta, Texas
- De Kalb, Texas
- Miller County, Arkansas
ATCOG will work closely with local governments and community partners throughout the process to identify redevelopment opportunities that reflect local needs and priorities.
What the Grant Will Fund
Over the life of the grant, funding will support:
- 15 Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
- Up to 9 Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
- 3 cleanup plans
- 4 area-wide redevelopment plans
- 1 site-specific reuse plan
- Community engagement and outreach activities
Priority Sites
Several priority properties have already been identified as part of the grant application, including:
- Former medical office in Omaha
- Former Booker T. Washington School in Atlanta
- Former Paris Regional Medical Center
- Former De Kalb City Hall property
- Historic Orr School in Texarkana
Each site represents an opportunity to breathe new life into properties that have long served their communities and position them for future economic and community development.
Investing in the Region’s Future
“This award represents an exciting opportunity for our region,” said Mary Beth Rudel, Executive Director of the Ark-Tex Council of Governments. “Brownfields sites often present significant challenges for communities, but they also hold tremendous potential. With this funding, ATCOG and our local partners can help communities better understand environmental conditions, develop plans for redevelopment and position these properties for future investment that supports economic growth and improves quality of life.”
Through this grant, ATCOG continues its commitment to helping communities across the Ark-Tex region build stronger local economies, improve quality of life and create opportunities for future generations. By working collaboratively with local partners and residents, these projects can help transform vacant or underutilized properties into productive community assets that support long-term growth.
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