In efforts to turn neglected properties into economic opportunities, Roane County has accepted a $20,000 check from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). This funding is part of the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grants (BRAG) program aimed at assisting communities to breathe new life into potentially contaminated, underused or abandoned spaces, as per the press release.

The grant, which was made public by TDEC in July, provides financial support for local governments to identify and prioritize sites for redevelopment. Roane County is amongst 36 recipients across Tennessee benefiting from this initiative. Derived from the Rural Brownfield Redevelopment Investment Act, the BRAG program serves a dual purpose: it seeks to minimize environmental threats, and to foster economic growth, especially in rural areas.

According to the Tennessee government's announcement, the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grants are allocated to help with the assessment, cleanup, and eventual redevelopment of parcels of land known as brownfields. These are properties that have been left vacant or are not fully utilized because of the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.

Investing in brownfield redevelopment helps the environment and boosts local jobs and the economy. The goal is to create safer, revitalized communities by reinvesting in neglected properties. With this funding, Roane County officials can take important first steps to turn blighted areas into opportunities.