EPA - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

04/30/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2025 14:42

EPA Regional Administrator Keynotes Important Brownfields Conference in Mohawk Valley

EPA Regional Administrator Keynotes Important Brownfields Conference in Mohawk Valley

April 30, 2025

Contact Information
Carlos Vega (vega.carlos@epa.gov)
(646) 988-2996

EPA Regional Administrator Keynotes Important Brownfields Conference in Mohawk Valley

Contact: Carlos Vega, (646) 988-2996, vega.carlos@epa.gov

NEW YORK (April 30, 2025) - EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci served as the keynote speaker at the 4th Annual Mohawk Valley Brownfields Developer Summit on April 29. He expressed the EPA's strong support for the Brownfields program. The conference took place at Herkimer College and the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) organized it in collaboration with economic development agencies from Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Oneida, Otsego, Schoharie, and Lewis Counties. The summit provided a vital platform for networking, exploration, and investment opportunities related to brownfields.

"The revitalization of brownfields is not just about cleaning up land; it's about restoring hope and opportunity in our communities," said EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci. "Together, we can transform vacant properties into vibrant spaces that foster economic growth and enhance the quality of life for residents across the Mohawk Valley."

Seven counties in upstate New York-Herkimer, Lewis, Fulton, Montgomery, Schoharie, Oneida, and Otsego-have formed a Mohawk Valley coalition focused on the redevelopment of brownfields to revitalize smaller towns. This collaborative effort is highly effective, enabling the counties to support each other in securing funding opportunities for redevelopment projects.

EPA leads brownfields redevelopment for the federal government, alongside local partners. EPA offers grant funding for cleanups and job training and technical assistance for planning, site assessments, and cleanups. Through this program, EPA is providing clean air, water and land to Americans and fostering a collaborative relationship with federal, state and local partners.

The Brownfields program is:

  • Transforming Communities: EPA works to protect the environment and enhance the local economy in towns across our region. These redevelopment projects transform abandoned lots from vacant spaces into vibrant community assets.
  • Revitalizing Main Streets: Many of the projects in the Mohawk Valley focus on main street properties that have remained unusable, contributing to a perception of disuse and disinvestment in the wider community.
  • Supporting Local Goals: Through the mutual support offered by the seven-county coalition in the Mohawk Valley, towns that typically lack the resources to apply for funding can receive the assistance they need to revitalize their main streets.

The summit proved to be an insightful event, fostering collaboration and innovation to create a brighter future for the Mohawk Valley and its communities.

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