Frequently Asked Questions

What is a brownfield?
Brownfields are "real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant." Brownfields blight communities across the country, inhibiting economic development and contaminating the environment. Brownfield sites include unproductive and abandoned textile mills, service stations, industrial facilities, and chemical processing plants. By cleaning up these properties, local governments can protect the environment, spur economic growth, and create jobs.

What is the purpose of this grant project?
The purpose of this grant is to assess the level and nature of environmental contamination at selected brownfield sites and conduct planning for the cleanup and reuse of the properties. By assessing contaminated properties in Tifton, the City is quantifying the risks involved in redeveloping the properties to encourage property owners and developers to cleanup the sites and put them back into productive use.

Will the grant pay for the cleanup of the sites?
This grant will not pay for the actual cleanup and redevelopment of the site. While the EPA offers separate cleanup grants to assist with cleanup activities, property owners and developers are often eager to invest in the redevelopment activities in order to put the site back into productive use.

How will the community benefit from the redevelopment of these properties?
The cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites create productive properties, removes blight, protects the environment and often leads to the creation of new jobs.

How can I get involved?
The City of Tifton is actively seeking the involvement of community partners and citizens in the implementation of the EPA Brownfields Assessment Project. There are three ways to get involved with this initiative. 1. Assist in Planning - Share your vision for what should happen to the Former Horizon Mill property after the site is cleaned up. 2. Identify and Prioritize Sites - Tell the City about any other brownfield sites in the area you know about, and let us know what properties you feel are most important for the community to assess and redevelop in the future. 3. Stay Informed - Keep up to date on project activities.