An Opportunity For Continuous Improvement

We are about two months shy of the first year anniversary of Connecticut’s new Brownfields Revitalization and Remediation Program. This first-of-its-kind program in the country, which came into law via Section 17 of Public Act No. 11-141, has put Connecticut at the head of the class when it comes to incentivizing the remediation and redevelopment of brownfields. So, how are we doing to date and is there room for improvement?

Connecticut defines a brownfield as an abandoned or underutilized property where the presence of or potential for environmental contamination is hampering “redevelopment, reuse or expansion” at that property. The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Brownfields Revitalization and Remediation Program. The DECD works closely with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) when reviewing applications to this innovative program and then assisting an accepted applicant and brownfield property as they work their way through the Program.