Reviewed November 3, 2026 | Federal funding relevant to California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado and Alaska
EPA’s FY2027 brownfields assessment and cleanup funding notices were posted November 2. Applications are due January 21, 2027. For communities planning to reuse properties affected by actual or suspected contamination, this is a useful time to review assessment needs, ownership and project readiness.
Assessment funding: understand the property before planning reuse
Community-wide Assessment Grants offer eligible governments, federally recognized Tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofits up to $500,000 for activities such as property inventories, environmental assessments, cleanup planning and reuse planning. Site-specific activities are limited to $200,000 per site under this opportunity. Assessment grant funds cannot be used for cleanup.
Read the FY2027 Community-wide Assessment Grant notice
Cleanup funding: ownership and matching funds matter
The Cleanup Grant notice generally allows requests of up to $500,000 for one or more eligible sites. Applicants must own the proposed cleanup properties by January 21, 2027 and meet the applicable eligibility requirements. A 20% cost share is required; a $500,000 award therefore requires a $100,000 eligible contribution. These opportunities are directed to eligible public, Tribal and nonprofit applicants. Private buyers should not assume they can apply directly.
Read the FY2027 Cleanup Grant notice
Requirements to build into the schedule
EPA’s updated cleanup criteria address ownership documentation, sufficient site characterization and community notification. Applicants must affirm that an Environmental Professional has certified sufficient characterization for remediation to begin, or that characterization will be sufficient before award. A public meeting must occur at least seven days before the application deadline, with the notice published at least seven days before that meeting. Limited, case-by-case waivers may allow up to $650,000 for a single cleanup site.
EPA lists assessment application webinars for November 9 and a cleanup/revolving loan fund webinar for November 12. Check the agency’s application resources for times, access links and full requirements.
EPA’s FY2027 application resources, guideline changes and webinars
Wildroot’s perspective
For redevelopment teams, the practical question is whether existing environmental information is sufficient for the next decision. A Phase I ESA can identify concerns that warrant further investigation; targeted Phase II sampling can help evaluate those concerns. A grant application, a completed assessment and authorization to begin cleanup are separate steps. Confirm site eligibility with EPA before relying on funding in a purchase or redevelopment budget.
Wildroot Consulting can review prior reports, identify information gaps and help define an appropriate assessment scope. Contact Wildroot to discuss a property.