Brownfield Redevelopment

Brownfield Redevelopment

What is a Brownfield?

The EPA definition states that a Brownfield is an abandoned or underused commercial or industrial property where environmental, economic, and social obstacles hinder use and redevelopment.

The Michigan definition states that a Brownfield is any property above residential standards containing low to moderate levels of contamination.

What is a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA)?

Michigan law permits municipalities to create a BRA. These authorities create a specialized institutional structure to promote local planning and implementation of brownfield redevelopment. Each authority develops a plan that identifies eligible properties within its jurisdiction. The ICEA directs the activities of the Ionia County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

Benefits to successful redevelopers of these sites are significant:

Reimbursement for eligible environmental expenses;
State Single Business Tax Credit for up to 10 percent of investment in property improvements;
Property tax abatement for eligible projects