EPA Grants Could Be Substantial For Fairfield Hills

By Kendra Bobowick

Why stop at $200,000?

The recent brownfields grant for cleanup and remediation work at Stratford Hall in Fairfield Hills may be just the first piece of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funding to support the former state hospital’s reuse projects.

All buildings could be considered as individual projects, making them potentially eligible for both assessment and remediation funds. “[Buildings] all had distinct names, addresses, and were different entities …” said EPA Brownfields Project Officer Dorrie Paar. She is now working with attorneys to “see if this is the case,” and will soon know if the EPA can get more money to Newtown. Each vacant building could be in line for up to $200,000 in assessment funds, and for additional cleanup grants.

“That’s not a small amount,” said Public Works Director Fred Hurley this week, adding up the potential funds. Fairfield Hills Authority Chairman Bob Geckle said, “It’s great.” The duplexes — several smaller buildings formerly used as hospital staff housing — would each receive separate consideration, among others the town intends to lease. “That would make a huge difference,” he said. Pointing out one area of uncertainty, he explained, “That has always been an issue as far as revitalization — not knowing what [remediation] you’re getting into.” As the town begins to lease the buildings, many lease agreements include stipulations for remediation costs, which the grant could partly alleviate.

After a recent visit to the campus, Ms Paar noted, “It’s a huge property; they need the money.” Glad the EPA already could get dollars into town, she would “like to give more.” She said, “Hopefully the money will be a seed to get work going.”

She is optimistic about the competitive, nationwide application process. “As their project manager I’ll do what I can,” she said. Considering the recent funds allocated to Stratford Hall remediation, she said, “Obviously, they’ve done it once, now they just need to do it again” in the “very competitive” grant process. Ms Paar explained, “As enthusiastic as I am, they still have a huge hurdle … it’s a matter of how well they write the proposal, show a need in the community, how is it beneficial to the community.”

Brownfields consultant Arthur Bogen of Down To Earth Consulting knows of one nearby case that makes the point: two Waterbury properties that were in the same project, but had different addresses received separate EPA grants, he said. Regarding brownfield projects, he said, “You’ve got to find funds for cleanup, then you can rebuild.” Successful reuse plans also require the right project. He explained, “Fairfield Hills is well thought out and I think that’s why the EPA gave them money.” Another round of applications will come due later this summer. “Hopefully we’ll participate in it and hopefully we’ll get another chunk of funds for Fairfield Hills.” Closely involved is Director of Economic and Community Development Elizabeth Stocker, who was out of the office this week.

Already Mr Bogen is at work reaching for another source of grant funds administered by the Housatonic Valley Council of Governments.

Annually, applicants can appeal for up to three cleanup grants and one assessment grant. Assessment funds will help determine the extent of contamination, amounts of lead, cover cleanup planning, and “everything short of cleanup,” Ms Paar said. Cleanup funds are for contamination.