The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, $500,000 for a Brownfield Assessment. This funding will support a community-wide evaluation of local brownfields. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith expressed his thoughts on the grant:
“The EPA’s Brownfields Program has the power to transform and revitalize communities, including those in Southwest Virginia.” He added, “This EPA Brownfield Assessment grant for $500,000 helps the Town of Pulaski conduct an assessment of hazardous or polluted sites that can be potentially redeveloped for economic and social gain in Southwest Virginia.”
Congressman Griffith is currently serving as chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment. In March 2025, he chaired a hearing focused on the EPA’s Brownfields Program. During this session, Duane Miller, Executive Director of LENOWISCO and Scott County native, testified about the program’s significance to communities in Southwest Virginia.
The Brownfields Program aims to empower states and communities by facilitating collaboration to prevent, assess, clean up safely, and sustainably reuse brownfields. These sites are real properties where redevelopment may be hindered by potential contamination from hazardous substances or pollutants.
Brownfield Assessment grants offer financial support for inventories, planning efforts, environmental assessments, and community outreach initiatives.
Congressman Griffith plans to hold a hearing next week with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to discuss the agency’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
