The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is taking a step forward in environmental restoration by providing a brownfield grant to the village of Campbellsport. The assistance comes in the form of brownfield assessment services, which will investigate environmental contamination at a former self-service gas station site.
According to the DNR, the grant stems from their Wisconsin Assessment Monies program, a scheme designed to aid in the environmental assessment of eligible brownfield sites—properties where contamination poses hurdles for redevelopment. The site in question, a 0.47-acre lot, became a focus following the discovery of soil contamination during the removal of underground storage tanks in 2018. Previously under the care of Fond du Lac County, the property is currently vacant but the village has visions of redevelopment, something this grant could expedite.
Jodie Thistle, DNR Brownfields, Outreach, and Policy Section Manager, highlighted the local government's initiative, stating, "The government officials of the village of Campbellsport recognize the potential for redevelopment of the site to bring it back to productive use," according to a report by the DNR. Thistle also noted the DNR's pleasure in contributing to the village's ongoing efforts to rejuvenate this previously contaminated land.
Since the program's inception in 2009, the Wisconsin Assessment Monies program has dispensed over $3.3 million in services and grants. It has reached beyond 70 communities across the state, reinforcing the cleanup and reconditioning of numerous underutilized or dilapidated sites. These awards are particularly appealing to communities given the absence of a local financial match requirement. Furthermore, applications remain open, and the DNR encourages interested parties to utilize their on-demand Brownfields Fundamentals webinars for education on redevelopment processes and best practices.
The DNR remains committed to supporting such environmental efforts with a variety of financial and liability tools. Local governments, businesses, and individuals can take advantage of these resources, including Ready for Reuse financial awards aimed at environmental cleanup. Moreover, DNR staff is readily available to consult with stakeholders on brownfield projects through Green Team meetings, facilitating vital conversations needed to give these abandoned spaces new life, as stated in the same source.
