Public Outreach Efforts A Bridge to the Future of Brownfields in Delaware

Delaware Brownfields - Where Are We Today? Plans in place for redevelopment with all stakeholders –Regulators, Consultants, Developers & Communities Liability Incentives (BDA and VCP) Reduced Uncertainty in Site Cleanup Process –Brownfield Development Program (BDP) Financial Incentives –Grants & Loans Numerous Success Stories –Thousands of Potential Sites –Completed Redevelopment of 50+ Sites

Where Do We Want to be Tomorrow? Assist in Creating Sustainable Communities Throughout Delaware Efficient Use of Land Supply Restricting Urban Sprawl Protecting Existing Urban Greenbelts Integral to Governor Minner’s “Livable Delaware Agenda

The Problem The Message of our Value is not Reaching to All of the Right People!

Who are the Right People? Holders of the Purse Strings –State Assembly Office of State Planning DelDOT Ag Land Use Planning & Preservation Community Organizations Municipalities

What is the Value? Environmental Cleanup –Restored Value vs. Impaired Value Employment Tax Revenues “Cohesiveness” of Development Use of Existing Transportation and Utility Resources A Canadian report in 2002 found that every $1 spent on Brownfield redevelopment generates an additional $3.80 in the output plus $0.22 in federal tax revenues. Thus the net “cost” is $0.78, with a net ROI of 387%,

Public Outreach is a Step in the Right Direction Definition – A group’s planned, active and continuing participation within a community to maintain and enhance it’s image to the benefit of both the group and the community. Role: Understanding current opinions and trends Developing policies that steer these opinions in concert with stated goals

Elements of A Public Outreach Program Determine the Attitudes of the “Right People” Towards the Brownfields Program Formulate Overall Strategy w/ Internal and External Elements Create “Means” of Influencing and Improving Attitudes –Independent Evaluation of Brownfields ROI in Delaware –Coordination with other DNREC and State Initiatives Carry Out Planned Activities Feedback/Evaluation/Adjustment