I. Introduction

The County of Humboldt is requesting proposals for the assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of brownfields sites. This funding opportunity is made possible through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Brownfields Program. The goal is to support projects that will help revitalize communities, mitigate health risks, and foster economic development.

II. Background

Brownfields are properties where the presence, or potential presence, of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants may complicate the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of the property. The EPA's Brownfields Program provides grants to communities, states, tribes, and other stakeholders to assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse these properties.

III. Funding Opportunity

The County of Humboldt invites eligible entities to submit proposals for EPA Brownfields Project Funding not to exceed $1,200,000.00 Million Dollars US. 

IV. Eligible Entities
• Local, state, and tribal governments.
• Regional councils or groups of local governments.
• Redevelopment agencies.
• Nonprofit organizations.
• Other public or quasi-governmental entities.

Cleanup Projects - Brownfields Cleanup Grants:
• Soil Remediation: Cleaning up contaminated soil by removing, treating, or stabilizing hazardous substances.
• Groundwater Remediation: Treating contaminated groundwater to remove pollutants and contaminants.
• Asbestos Abatement: Safely removing or encapsulating asbestos-containing materials.
• Lead Paint Abatement: Removing or stabilizing lead-based paint to reduce health risks.
• Building Demolition and Debris Removal: Demolishing structures and removing debris contaminated with hazardous substances.
• Vapor Intrusion Mitigation: Implementing systems to prevent the migration of hazardous vapors from contaminated soil or groundwater into buildings.
• Site Monitoring and Maintenance: Ongoing monitoring and maintenance activities to ensure the effectiveness of cleanup efforts and prevent recontamination.
Multipurpose Projects - Multipurpose Grants:
• Site Assessment and Cleanup Integration: Conducting both assessment and cleanup activities at multiple brownfields sites within a target area to streamline the redevelopment process.
• Environmental Planning and Redevelopment: Developing and implementing environmental plans that integrate site assessments, cleanups, and land use planning for targeted redevelopment areas.
• Community Engagement and Planning: Engaging with community stakeholders to develop comprehensive plans that address the assessment, cleanup, and future use of brownfields sites.
• Sustainable Reuse Strategies: Implementing cleanup strategies that support sustainable reuse, such as green infrastructure, renewable energy projects, or ecological restoration.
• Comprehensive Site Management: Coordinating assessment and cleanup activities to manage multiple brownfields sites in a way that maximizes community and environmental benefits.
Community-Wide Projects - Community-Wide Assessment or Cleanup Projects:
• Clustered Site Cleanups: Implementing cleanup activities at multiple brownfields sites within a specific neighborhood or district to achieve broader environmental and economic development goals.
• Neighborhood Revitalization Initiatives: Coordinating cleanup and redevelopment efforts as part of larger neighborhood revitalization plans, which may include housing, commercial, or mixed-use developments.
• Community Health and Safety Improvements: Addressing public health and safety issues through targeted cleanups that reduce exposure to contaminants and improve living conditions in affected areas.
• Integrated Land Use Planning: Combining land use planning with environmental cleanup to create cohesive redevelopment strategies that enhance community infrastructure and services.
• Economic Development Projects: Supporting cleanup activities that pave the way for new businesses, job creation, and economic growth in areas affected by brownfields.
These projects should aim to address environmental, public health, and economic development goals, ensuring that the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfields sites result in tangible benefits for the community.

5 Community Engagement:
• Plan for community involvement and communication.
• Evidence of community support.
6 Environmental and Economic Benefits:
• Description of how the project will protect human health and the environment.
• Economic benefits and potential for job creation.
VII. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1 Project Feasibility and Readiness:
• Clear and achievable project goals and timeline.
• Demonstrated readiness to proceed.
2 Community Need and Engagement:
• Level of community need for brownfields redevelopment.
• Extent of community involvement and support.
3 Environmental and Economic Impact:
• Potential to improve environmental conditions and reduce health risks.
• Expected economic benefits and sustainability.
4 Experience and Capacity:
• Applicant’s experience with similar projects.
• Capacity to manage and execute the project effectively.
VIII. Submission Instructions
Proposals must be submitted to The County of Humboldt Planning & Building Housing & Grants Department. All proposals should be submitted in electronic format (PDF preferred).
Email to: PLBL_Grants@co.humboldt.ca.us

IX. Questions and Clarifications
Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to John Moredo-Burich at the County of Humboldt.