What’s happening: Ottawa County has received a $500,000 Brownfield Assessment Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to support the revitalization of vacant or contaminated properties. The federal funds will be used to conduct environmental site assessments, an essential step in turning abandoned or underutilized land into community assets.
Why it matters: The grant will help unlock the redevelopment potential of properties across Ottawa County, especially in areas with a legacy of industrial use along Lake Michigan and the Grand River. Many of these sites are difficult to repurpose due to environmental uncertainty. By assessing contamination risks, the county aims to remove a key barrier to redevelopment, protect local waterways, and attract economic investment.
When it happened: The award was announced May 16 as part of the EPA’s nationwide distribution of $224 million in Brownfield Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup grants. Ottawa County was one of 207 communities selected.
What officials are saying: “We’re extremely grateful to receive this funding to jumpstart brownfield development on priority sites within the county,” says Becky Huttenga, Ottawa County’s agriculture and economic resources coordinator. “Often, the biggest barrier to redeveloping these sites is the unknown costs. This grant support will allow us to significantly increase site evaluations, ensuring that developers know what to expect.”
Context and history: This is the third time Ottawa County has received EPA funding for brownfield work since establishing the Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (OCBRA) in 2008.
- A $400,000 grant awarded in 2013 supported 34 projects and leveraged an estimated $35.6 million in private investment.
- A $300,000 grant in 2020 funded 29 projects, leading to $90 million in investment.
- Among the projects supported by previous funding was Terra Station, a 12-building mixed-use development under construction in Hudsonville.
What’s next: The new funding will primarily support Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments. These evaluations determine whether contamination is present and guide subsequent remediation steps. A smaller portion of the grant will go toward cleanup planning and redevelopment strategy reports. Roughly 34 sites are expected to be assessed, depending on project size and complexity.
Although the funding will prioritize brownfield sites in Grand Haven and Holland, cities with a high number of known contaminated and blighted properties, other communities may be eligible following a formal selection process.
Why this is a solution: By addressing unknown environmental liabilities, the grant paves the way for developers to confidently invest in neglected properties. Redevelopment of brownfield sites offers long-term community benefits, including:
- Returning properties to the tax rolls
- Creating new jobs and investment
- Increasing surrounding property values
- Reducing sprawl through infill development
- Improving environmental quality near key waterways
Defining the issue: Brownfields are properties where redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination, blight, or functional obsolescence. Without support, these sites often remain idle for decades. Brownfield programs provide incentives such as grants, cleanup support, and tax financing tools to encourage redevelopment and reduce risks for developers.
How does OCBRA work: The Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority works with municipalities across the county to extend redevelopment support to areas without their own local brownfield authority.
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