The Rutland Region Brownfields Reuse Program (RRBRP) has been awarded $200,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency for Hazardous Substance assessment work on properties throughout the county.  This grant is the latest in a series of grants received from the EPA, totaling over $1 million, since 2003.  In addition, the RRBRP currently has two active Petroleum Assessment Grants.

The Rutland Redevelopment Authority is continuing its participation in the RRBRP to transform the former Hour Mart gas station site on West Street into a pocket park with gateway feature announcing the entrance to Downtown Rutland.  Site design has been completed and a Corrective Action Plan developed. The site will undergo remediation later this summer.

The redevelopment will not only improve the visual aesthetics of the immediate area, but it is projected to spur redevelopment of surrounding properties.  It will also address a city-wide goal of improving the city’s image and brand by sprucing a gateway into the historic downtown.

Similar projects in the region will be completed with Brownfields funding, administered through the Regional Planning Commission.  Abandoned or underused properties where redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or perceived presence of contamination have a tool in the RRBRP to get redevelopment and community revitalization off the ground.

The RRBRP is constantly looking for new sites to enter into the program.  If you are aware of property that may be a candidate for Brownfields funding and further redevelopment, please contact Ed Bove at the Rutland Regional Planning Commission at ebove@rutlandrpc.org or (802) 775-0871 extension 208.