In 2014 ($400,000), 2017 ($300,000), 2019 ($300,000), and again in 2023 ($500,000) Sheboygan County was awarded Brownfield Assessment Grants from the USEPA. These grants are nationwide and highly competitive, but because of the excellent intergovernmental and strong public/private relationships that exist in Sheboygan County, we have been able to garner success. Brownfields are defined by the EPA as real property for which re-use or development could be “…complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” Partially due to its rich history of manufacturing and agricultural development from the mid-1800s, coupled with intensive industrial development over the years, Sheboygan County has areas in need of site cleanup and revitalization. Although brownfield sites might be well-positioned for or be especially conducive to re-development, they cannot be built upon or put to new use if the possibility of hazardous substance contamination exists. The funding made available to Sheboygan County can include Phase I (historical overview of the property and its past uses) and Phase II (a more detailed study if the Phase I recommends further study of potentially polluted areas that can include soil and water sampling to determine what, if any, pollutants are present) assessments as well as supplemental sampling and remedial action planning. Once the Phase II and/or supplemental sampling are complete, a developer will know what needs to be cleaned up and to what extent prior to redeveloping a site.

The grant dollars have helped spur well over $150 million of investment in our local communities.  Some of the past projects include the redevelopment of two former tannery sites (one in Sheboygan, the other in Sheboygan Falls), the former VanderVaart property along South Business Drive, the former Boston Store site, the former Koepsell site, and the former Tri-Par site on South 8th Street.

Planning, Resources, Agriculture, and Extension Committee Chairman Keith Abler has noted, “Identifying and better understanding these areas is a great first step towards increased economic development opportunities, cleaning up areas of our community, and making Sheboygan County an even better place to live and work.”

If you have a brownfield site you are looking to redevelop, please call the Planning & Conservation Department to discuss your project and its eligibility.  920-459-3060.