Brownfields are sites where expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.
Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant
In 2019, Dakota County Community Development Agency (CDA) was awarded a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This grant was for the assessment of brownfield sites.
Dakota County, the CDA and cities of West St. Paul and Hastings worked together to obtain the grant. The funding helps:
- Identify, prioritize and complete environmental assessments and remedial and reuse planning activities.
- Assist with the positioning of sites for redevelopment and reuse.
Learn about properties assessed using the 2019 EPA grant and an earlier 2009 EPA grant with the
Dakota County Brownfield Grants story map.
Go to the Brownfield Grants story map
Dakota County offers brownfield grants
Grants are available through the Dakota County Community Development Agency Redevelopment Incentive Grant program (RIG). All Dakota County cities are eligible for brownfield funding for redevelopment planning, environmental investigations, cleanup and site redevelopment.
New in 2024, private sector, nonprofits and cities can apply for the newly created Environmental Investigation (EI) grant. The maximum award for EI and planning grants is $25,000. Maximum award for project grants is $250,000. Find application information on the CDA RIG Grant Program website.
Brownfield Map
For locations and limited information on sites in the county that have brownfield redevelopment potential, see the Brownfield Map.
The sites listed include closed regulated solid waste facilities, vacant or underutilized potential brownfield sites, and the former Gopher Ordnance Works (GOW) portion of UMore Park.
For more information about brownfields, contact Cathy Undem, Dakota County Environmental Assessment and Remediation Program, at
cathy.undem@co.dakota.mn.us or 952-891-7532