Dingell Succeeds in Fight for Landmark Brownfields’ Legislation

Washington, D.C. – Congressman John D. Dingell (D-Mich.) today hailed the overwhelming passage of the Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act, H.R. 2869. This legislation will play a crucial role in helping communities across America revitalize defunct, contaminated land tracts and boost local economies.

"Redeveloping unused and potentially hazardous brownfields infuses communities with new life creating green spaces and economic security for future generations," Dingell said. "Democrats have fought hard over the years to get this legislation passed, I’m pleased we were finally able to convince our Republican colleagues of its worthiness."

In the Detroit metropolitan area alone -- home to much of the country’s industrial strength for over 100 years -- brownfields cover tens of thousands of acres of land once occupied by manufacturing facilities and thriving communities. Today, many of these properties lay fallow, and, in some instances, are a threat to the livelihood and health of the citizens who live nearby. Brownfields development is occurring in Michigan communities like Taylor and Monroe and throughout the nation.

Dingell is a long time champion of brownfields legislation and successfully worked with his Republican colleagues to ensure that the Davis Bacon Act, which guarantees fair wages to workers on Federally financed construction projects, continued to apply to H.R. 2869.

H.R. 2869 combines the brownfields provisions of S. 350 and the small business liability protection provisions of H.R. 183, both of which passed unanimously in the respective chambers, and will provide:

• $200 million annually for fiscal year 2002 to 2006, in grants to local governments, states and Indian tribes to inventory, assess and clean up abandoned and underutilized brownfields.

• Legal protections for innocent parties, such as contiguous property owners, prospective purchasers, and innocent landowners.

• $50 million annually for 2002 to 2006 in grants to states and Indian tribes to establish and enhance their cleanup programs.