The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is taking tangible steps toward revitalizing disused properties with a history of potential contamination, as revealed in their latest batch of awards through the Wisconsin Assessment Monies program. Douglas County, the city of Evansville, and Kenosha County are the latest beneficiaries of this initiative, as they receive aid for environmental assessments of properties plagued by their past industrial uses.
In Foxboro, the DNR funding is directed at a 0.72-acre plot that previously hosted a gas station. Despite the removal of two underground tanks last year, there's a lingering suspicion of petroleum contamination. Similarly, a property in Evansville, with its history of auto repair and painting, sits close to a waterway in the downtown area—a stark reminder of how industry imprint can bleed into the communal space. Kenosha joins the list too, where a previous home to an auto body shop raises questions about the soil and groundwater conditions even after tanks and soil removal. These grants signify a commitment, according to Jodie Thistle, DNR Brownfield, Policy and Outreach section manager, "to assess and address potential contamination," and she holds firm that these aids "allow the communities to take an important step in transforming underused properties into assets."
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources points out that since 2009, the Wisconsin Assessment Monies program has dispensed over $3.3 million to more than 70 communities, fueling cleanups and redevelopment of brownfield sites—areas previously thought of as detractions from a community's potential. This financial infusion, notably not requiring local financial matches, enriches community potential by offering a clearer image of environmental conditions.
For those keen on understanding more about how brownfield cleanup can benefit their local neighborhoods, DNR has curated a series of on-demand Brownfields Fundamentals webinars. These digital courses cover a gamut of topics from planning and cleanup to liability, shaping a comprehensive education in brownfield redevelopment. And for more hands-on guidance, DNR staff across Wisconsin are willing to sit down with community leaders and other stakeholders to discuss possible brownfield projects through what's known as Green Team meetings.
The DNR's actions underscore a broader mission to rehabilitate neglected landscapes while fostering economic growth and environmental well-being. These latest grants serve as vital stepping-stones for Douglas County, Evansville, and Kenosha—regions ripe for growth as they confront the shadows of industrial legacies and look forward to a reimagined presence.
