Meetings and Contact

If you have questions or want to learn more about funding opportunities, please contact the Van Buren County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. Meetings are held in the County Commission Chambers, 2nd Floor, County Administration and Land Services Building, 219 E. Paw Paw Street, Paw Paw, MI 49079. The public is welcome under the Open Meetings Act.

For Meeting Agendas & Minutes, please click here.

To view our Brownfield Video Playlist, Click Here.

For Español Brownfield, Click Here.

Michigan Brownfield Program Overview

In Michigan, Brownfield sites are found in cities with industrial histories and in small towns. These sites may be contaminated, blighted, or obsolete. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) helps local officials, developers, and businesses with redevelopment. The Van Buren County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) offers local support.

The MEDC’s incentives have increased private investment, job creation, and site cleanup. These efforts are coordinated with the Community Assistance Team (CAT), Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).

Van Buren County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (VBCBRA)

Established in 2002, the VBCBRA helps revitalize contaminated properties. Funding comes from taxes generated by redevelopment projects. Other funding sources may also be available. In 2016, the Authority received a grant to assess environmental conditions on impacted sites.

Funding supports activities like:

• Phase I & II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs)
• Soil, Gas, and Groundwater Sampling
• Lead & Asbestos Surveys
• Baseline Environmental Assessments (BEAs)
• Compliance Documentation
• Brownfield Plans
• Remediation Planning
• Demolition

The Authority aids projects needing financial help with environmental concerns. Michigan’s programs offer:

• Liability protection
• Reimbursement opportunities
• Low-cost loans
• Funding for eligible activities

Brownfield Project Examples

Former Eaton Building

Dan DeBoer sought support for due diligence on the former Eaton Building in Lawton, Michigan. The VBCBRA used grant funds for further assessments and compliance documentation to help with acquisition and liability exemption.

Former Cannery Building

This blighted building in Paw Paw was impacted by trichloroethene. The VBCBRA provided a loan for environmental assessments. The MDEQ offered a loan and grant for mitigation and demolition. A Brownfield Plan was approved to reimburse the developer.