Wisconsin’s Brownfields Initiative National Governors Association Coastal Brownfields Cambridge, MA September Michael Prager-Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources (608)

Wisconsin Coastline?????

Wisconsin’s Brownfields Initiative & Great Lakes Redevelopment 1. Goals 2. Tools and Resources 3. Great Lakes Redevelopment Success Stories

Why are Brownfields a Problem for my community? n contribute to neighborhood deterioration n limit economic growth and development in older neighborhoods n potential harm to human health and environment n attract vandals and open dumping n poor land use / urban sprawl

Return property to productive use & preserve green space n Part of a larger smart growth effort n Complements conservation efforts n Brownfields are opportunities for smart land use planning n Land Recycling

What is the State’s role?  State recognizes brownfields are ultimately a local issue  Remove impediments  Provide tools and assistance  Multi-Agency Approach

What is Wisconsin doing to encourage brownfields cleanup and redevelopment?  Liability Protection  Financial Incentives  Streamlined Cleanup Process  Technical Assistance

Brownfields Study Group 30-member group:  Seven state agencies  Federal government  Environmental consultants  Attorneys  Environmentalists  Local Governments  Business & Trade Associations

Brownfields Study Group Over 9 month period: n Identified 35 brownfields issues of importance. n Developed 80 proposals to address those issues. n Submitted to legislature.

Liability Protection n Lenders n Local Governmental Units n Parties who conduct Voluntary Cleanup n Neighbors

Voluntary Party Liability Exemption (VPLE) Process n Voluntary investigation and cleanup an entire property n No limits on eligibility: –local government –responsible party n Provides “finality” to person’s liability n Exempt from state cleanup laws –new purchaser –bank –ANYONE...

Financial Incentives State and Federal Tools that can help fund brownfields cleanup and redevelopment

Site Assessment Grant n “Jump-Start” brownfields redevelopment n Easy Application Process n Eliminates the unknown n For Phase I, Phase II, site investigation, demolition, and removal n For Local Governments n $1.7 Million per year

Site Assessment Grant Accomplishments 162 Grants received $4.8 million n Demolition of 198 structures and buildings n 54 Phase I’s n 90 Phase II’s n 72 Site Investigations n Removal of 162 USTs n Activities on 554 acres of land …...AND MORE IN 2004!

Wisconsin Brownfields Initiative Grant Program –$7 Million annually –Applicant can be either a business, municipality, or local development corporation –To promote environmental cleanup and economic development –Competitive application process –For remediation and redevelopment costs

n 54 Grants awarded for first 4 rounds n $22.2 million awarded and over $73 million requested n When completed, projects will result in: –687 acres recycled –$365 million increase in tax value –Over 3,950 jobs Wisconsin Brownfields Initiative Grant Program (cont.)

Tax Incremental Financing n A mechanism for local governments to pay for economic development in blighted areas n Local gov usually borrows $ for project n Project costs are recovered through property taxes from increased property values n Traditional TIFs and env. TIFs

Wisconsin Coastal Management Grants n To enhance and restore coastal resources on Lakes Michigan and Superior n Established under federal Coastal Zone Management Act n Can and has been used for brownfields projects that meet program priorities: –public/ waterfront access –to address impacts from development –wetland protection –land use planning

Other $$$ Tools….. n Tax Deductions and Tax Credits n Low Interest Loans n Cancellation of Delinquent Property Taxes n Other State and Federal Grants

Streamlined Cleanup Process n All cleanups (Leaking Tanks, Hazardous Waste, Voluntary Cleanup, etc.) follow one set of regulations n NR State’s comprehensive cleanup regulations n Brownfields MOA with U.S. EPA n Protective of public health + flexible remedial options

Streamlined Cleanup Process (cont.) n Protective of all the state’s groundwater n Risk-based approach for soil contamination n Use of institutional controls to limit exposure n Allow for quicker and less expensive cleanups

Technical Assistance n Site Specific Technical Reviews n Closure Reviews n Investigation and Cleanup guidance n Liability Clarification Letters n Redevelopment Assistance

Successful Great Lakes Example #1: Kenosha Lakefront Redevelopment Harborpark Former Chrysler/ AMC Plant

Kenosha Lakefront n Over 40 acres on Lake Michigan n Historical manufacturing since early 1900s –Simmons mattress –American Motors Corp. (AMC) n Vacant since 1986 n Petroleum and Chlorinated contamination n Historical Fill

Kenosha Lakefront - Former AMC Plant ’s

3rd Ave 5th Ave55th St

n 17 Underground Storage Tanks n Loading Dock Areas n Waste and Product Storage Areas n Operation Areas n Foundry “Sand” and Dredge Fill Areas n Rail Lines n Incinerator Kenosha Lakefront environmental issues

Kenosha Lakefront environmental issues (cont.) n City took proactive lead on cleanup, planning, and development n Extensive investigation and remediation n Soil excavation n Designed to build on landfill n Voluntary Cleanup Program n Storm water Approach

n Future vision of property n How Urban Land Institute assisted n What was the result of this community process Kenosha Lakefront community input

n Create a new civic and cultural focal point n Generate year-round activity to bring people to the downtown area n Create a family-oriented destination n Create economic development opportunities n Establish a new residential neighborhood Kenosha Lakefront community input

Parks and Marina Public Museum Walkways and Bike path Retail and Offices Condos and Apartments Historic Electric Trolley Kenosha Lakefront reuse plan

Kenosha Harborpark - Development Plan

City took lead on: –Market analysis & planning –Secured financing –Liability protections –Solicited developers Kenosha Lakefront development approach

Sources of Financing n TIF District n Other City Funds n WI Dept. of Commerce Funds n WI DNR Funds n Transportation Funds n Federal Assistance Other

Successful Great Lakes Example #2: Sheboygan South Pier District/ Blue Harbor Resort Former C. Reiss Coal Property

Sheboygan - South Pier n Confluence of Sheboygan River and Lake Michigan n Over 100 years of industrial use, coal handling, fuel storage, lumbar yard, fertilizer distribution, more…. n 50 acre property n Near recent harbor redevelopment area

n Property built on fill n Soil and groundwater contamination; PAH, lead, arsenic & chloride n PCB sediment contamination in river (Superfund site) Sheboygan - South Pier environmental issues

n Erosion and storm water issues n Failing wooden sea wall n Berm/ fill shore area on lake bed grant area below high water mark - Army Corps of Engineers approval needed n River impacts - state permits required n Design & Planning Principles Sheboygan - South Pier development issues

n Dune restoration area, eco-park with trails and beach access n Blue Harbor Resort - Private development with: - hotel - water park - conference center - restaurant - residential condos n Retail and Office Development Sheboygan - South Pier Mixed Use Plan

SHEBOYGAN SOUTH PIER - CONSTUCTION AERIAL 8/27/03

Sources of Financing n TIF District n WI Dept. of Commerce Funds n WI DNR Funds n Coastal Management Funds n Federal Assistance n Private investment

Conclusion n Coordinate remediation, site design, & shore land improvements n Leverage Private and Public Financing n Multiple Program and Agency Coordination n Local, State and Federal Cooperation n Win-Win solutions if done right