EPA Selects Summit and Medina Workforce Area Council of Governments to Receive $500,000 in Brownfields Job Training Grants to Boost Akron's Economy and Clean Up Communities

February 6, 2026

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is announcing the selection of Summit and Medina Workforce Area Council of Governments in Akron, Ohio, to receive $500,000 in Brownfields Job Training GrantExit EPA's websitefunding. This funding will help Summit and Medina Workforce Area Council of Governments recruit, train, and place workers for community revitalization and cleanup projects at Brownfield sites. EPA's Brownfields Program helps grow local economies and supports efforts to assess and clean up contaminated sites and return blighted properties to productive use.

"These grants reflect our dedication to improving quality of life for American families by achieving both the environmental stewardship and economic vitality that help Power the Great American Comeback," said EPA Assistant Administrator for Land and Emergency Management John W. Busterud. "These grants lift up communities by giving local people the tools they need to shape their own future. They help neighborhoods clean up and transform contaminated sites into places that support jobs, small businesses, and more. Together with our state and local partners, we are building lasting opportunities close to home."

"EPA's job training initiatives are a catalyst for economic revitalization, transforming lives and communities," said EPA Regional Administrator Anne Vogel. "This support not only cleans up and repurposes brownfields but also cultivates a skilled workforce ready to drive sustainable development."

Summit and Medina Workforce Area Council of Governments will use their grant funding to train 40 students and place 30 in environmental jobs. The training program includes 286 hours of training in subjects such as asbestos abatement, lead paint remediation, vapor intrusion and radon management. Students may earn up to 10 state and federal certifications. The program will focus on veterans and formerly incarcerated individuals from Summit County and the city of Akron. They will partner with organizations including OhioMeans Jobs, city of Akron, Summit County, Jobs for Ohio's Graduates, the Greater Akron Chamber, Conxus NEO, Elevate Greater Akron, Strengthening Stark, Stark State College, the University of Akron, Training Services International, Bad Day Training and Consulting, the Akron Urban League, The Well CDC, East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation, Cardinal Environmental, Erie Environmental, Terracon and Verdantas.

For more information on the selected Brownfields Job Training Grant recipients, including past grant recipients, please visit EPA's Grant FactsheetExit EPA's websiteTool.

Background

EPA's Brownfields Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.9 billion in grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. To date, Brownfields investments have leveraged more than $42 billion for cleanup and redevelopment and have created more than 220,500 American jobs. Since 1998, EPA has awarded 456 grants totaling over $119 million through Brownfield Job Training Programs. With these grants, more than 23,400 individuals have completed training and over 17,400 individuals have been placed in careers related to land remediation and environmental health and safety. Over the last five years, the average starting wage for these individuals is approximately $23 per hour. If your organization is considering applying for or has a question related to Brownfields Job Training Grants, submit a technical assistance request to EPA at https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/forms/brownfields-job-training-program-technical-assistance-inquiry-formExit EPA's website.

For more information on this and other types of Brownfields Grants, please visit https://www.epa.gov/brownfields/types-fundingExit EPA's website.

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