The Biden-Harris Administration continues its efforts to restore neglected spaces with new federal funding for brownfield sites in North Carolina. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has allocated over $2 million to the Centralina Regional Council and the City of Kannapolis to assess and clean up areas affected by abandoned industrial sites, according to the City of Kannapolis.
The Centralina Council of Governments has been chosen to lead a $1.5 million Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This grant will allow the Council to conduct environmental assessments and develop cleanup plans, focusing on textile mill villages that reflect North Carolina's industrial history and have potential for future development. Locations like the Dawson Drying and Finishing Facility and the North Carolina Finishing Company are top priorities, as reported by the City of Kannapolis.
Kannapolis has received a $1 million Brownfields Multipurpose Grant to clean up sites like the Former Pillowtex Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Wyrick Property/Villa Mobile Home Park. This funding shows the Environmental Protection Agency commitment to improving areas affected by past pollution. Geraldine Gardner, Executive Director of the Centralina Regional Council, is excited to work with local governments to turn these sites into community assets. City Manager Mike Legg praised the teamwork that led to this funding, hoping to transform contaminated areas into parks or economic hubs. Rep. Jeff Jackson said, “This grant will help our region continue to clean up contaminated areas so we can ensure safe use and investment in our communities,” as stated by the City of Kannapolis.
