Local government officials hope a new $1.2 million federal grant will lead to the revitalization of vacant lots and dilapidated buildings in areas across the Mid-Columbia. 

The Benton-Franklin Council of Governments was one of three entities in Washington state awarded a Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to a release. 

The funds will be used to conduct environmental site assessments and regulated building materials surveys for properties ranging from former gas stations and dry cleaners to factories and vacant lots. Those assessments and surveys would then be used to develop site cleanup and reuse plans that support property sale or redevelopment activities for eligible sites. 

The Brownfield program, established in 2021, used a past $600,000 grant to conduct brownfield inventories, area-wide and site-specific redevelopment plans in Kennewick, Richland and Pasco, along with environmental assessments, regulated building materials surveys, and cleanup/reuse plans for 12 sites in the region. 

“We are thrilled to be able to continue our brownfields program in support of the communities and property owners in Benton and Franklin counties,” said council executive director Michelle Holt in a statement. 

More information on the Brownfield program can be found at bfcog.us/174/Brownfields-Program.