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Managing a Successful Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund: EPA Staff Briefs Conference Call Participants
By: Susan Jarvis
Cities from Syracuse, NY to Honolulu, HI joined EPA staff for a look at the factors critical to successful participation in EPA’s Bronwfields Revolving Loan Fund program. This complimentary conference call was sponsored by The Municipal Waste Management Association (MWMA), the environmental affiliate of The United States Conference of Mayors, and was open to MWMA Members, USCM member cities and members of the “Monday morning” lobbying group.
Ann Carroll, EPA, Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, provided an overview of The Revolving Loan Fund, which began as a pilot program in 1997. The program had a limited vision and scope, providing participants with up to $350,000 in funds for clean up. Under the new program, EPA provides both loans and clean up sub grants. No more than forty percent of the funds awarded maybe used for subgrants, however. Up to twenty percent of the grant maybe used for cost share, but no funds may be applied to administrative costs. The new program also streamlines the provisions from the National Oil and Hazardous Substance Contingency Plan and allows for clean up of petroleum, mine scarred land, “drug labs” and some asbestos and lead.
Under the new guidelines, eligible entities are can receive up to $1 million, although applicants must provide a twenty-percent match. Eligible Clean-up activities include removal of contaminated soils, engineering of barriers over contaminated soil, treatment of soil and/or groundwater, environmental insurance and any other cost necessary to the clean-up of the property. Eligible entities include local governments, tribes, state agencies, redevelopment agencies, non-profits, and private developers. Those parties responsible for the contamination, however, are not eligible.
Brooke Furio, from EPA’s Region 5 highlighted some of the factors critical to the success of implementing a revolving loan fund grant. First is a good understanding of the product; that the BCRLF is a low interest loan program, aimed at providing gap financing. Having a well defined and simple clean up process ensures borrowers have an understanding of timelines, costs and other expectation of the program. Understanding your market, your market size and specifics of your clean up will help communicate your program better to potential customers. Finally, and most importantly, Mr. Furio believes an organizational commitment, complete with a dedicated economic development staff, is critical to the success of the program
Mr. Furio referenced the state of Minnesota’s VIC program and Hennepin County (MN)’s market plan as standards which cities and counties can model their own programs.
The Municipal Waste Management Association (MWMA) provides technical environmental expertise to The United States Conference of Mayors, as well as professional development and legislative advocacy for the nation’s urban environmental professionals. MWMA is dedicated to delivering programming and information on integrated waste management, including operations, recycling, waste to energy, air and water. For more information about MWMA, please contact Susan Jarvis at 202.861.6760; sjarvis@usmayors.org. The power point presentation which accompanied this conference call be can be found at www.usmayors.org/mwma.
Cans For Cash City Recycling Challenge: The United States Conference of Mayors and Novelis Incorporated Announce Winners
The United States Conference of Mayors and Novelis Incorporated announced the winners in the Cans For Cash: City Recycling Challenge at the Conference’s 73 rd Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. The program challenged like-sized cities to compete against each other in can collection for four $5,000 awards each. During the first two weeks in November, 50 cities collected more than 1.8 million pounds of aluminum cans equating to over 60 million cans.
“I would like to commend all the participating cities for their tremendous effort to encourage their citizens to recycle and build awareness that it pays off to recycle aluminum cans- both economically and environmentally,” said Brian Sturgell, President and CEO, Novelis, Inc. “Aluminum Cans are 100% recyclable and last year alone, recyclers paid nearly $1 billion for recycling beverage cans. With a 50% aluminum can recycling rate, there is still another $1 billion worth of economic value that communities can capture by keeping aluminum cans out of landfills.”
The winners for the most aluminum cans recycled are:
Novelis and The Conference of Mayors also wanted to help mayors engage their communities in recycling and raise awareness about its importance over the long term. To this end, cities submitted innovative education and marketing ides for an additional $5,000 award. The cities being recognized for the most innovative campaigns are as follows:
“Mayors leveraged their relationships with community and civic organizations, partnered with schools, and linked the can recycling challenge with community improvement and service projects. We are proud that our Cans For Cash Program helped jump start existing programs and re-directed many communities to focus on a common goal,” said Akron (OH) Mayor and Conference President Donald L. Plusquellic.
EPA Deputy Administrator Joins Mayors for Discussion on Local Environmental Priorities
By Ted Fischer and Judy Sheahan
Charlotte Mayor Patrick McCrory, chairman of the Conference’s Environmental Committee, led an in-depth mayoral discussion on environmental priorities and EPA’s role in 2005. Joining the Mayors were Stephen Johnson, the Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Also joining the mayors was Don Chen, Executive Director and founder of Smart Growth America to discuss land use and zoning decisions and how they impact the environment.
One of EPA’s highest priority this year, Johnson indicated was clean air. “Cities are currently facing nonattainment issues for particulate matter as well as ozone,” Johnson said, “EPA’s main focus in 2005 is passing the Clear Skies Initiative.”
He explained to the Mayors that the Clear Skies Initiative was a three pollutant bill including Mercury, Sulfur Dioxide, and Nitrogen Oxides. EPA is currently working with Senator James Inhofe (OK) to get legislation passed. When asked what would happen if Congress fails to act, Johnson replied, “If the Clear Skies Initiative stalls or falls to pass before March 15 th then EPA will go ahead with regulations on Mercury, Sox and Nox.” “EPA’s focus on Clear Skies is a high priority and a benefit to everyone; we are working to achieve attainment.”
Deputy Administrator Johnson also mentioned that Brownfields, national water infrastructure and new innovations in technology were also priorities on EPA’s 2005 agenda. “Brownfields is a very significant and important issue,” Johnson said, “with 30,000 jobs created from Brownfield development which is an amazing start.” “There is a great opportunity for improvement with better tracking results and more revitalized land.”
“Even with the agency in transition, we are looking for opportunities to put the pieces together, more chances for collaboration with cities and localities and a deeper focus on technology which could address some of the problems we are currently facing,” said Johnson. “We are also concerned with the aging of the current water infrastructure and it too is a priority for EPA.” “EPA has an important agenda and we are looking forward to working with the mayors to achieve it.”
Some of the Mayors expressed some concern with the Clear Skies Initiative and also asked that the President to take a lead on other environmental issues such as alternative fuels and energy.
McCrory said, “We need to continue to work with the administration because these problems are affecting city development and sustainability. I strongly believe that environmental issues should not be in a vacuum; that we deal with the environment on a holistic basis.”
Don Chen, Executive Director and founder of Smart Growth America also spoke at the meeting. Smart Growth America is an organization which works with cities to assist with their development so as to achieve a sustainable future. Co-Chairs of the organization include former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening and former New Jersey Governor and EPA Administrator Christie Todd Whitman. Chen said, “I know it is hard for Mayors who have to run for election every 4 years to think far in advance,” said Chen, “but we need to look toward the future and harness the resurgence of downtowns.” Chen offered the Mayors information and resources to assist them in their efforts. For more information you can look to their website at smartgrowthamerica.org.
MWMA Announces 2005 Officers and Trustees
The Municipal Waste Management Association (MWMA) recently announced it’s 2005 slate of Officers. Created in 1982 as the environmental affiliate of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, MWMA serves as a legislative voice, a best practice exchange and a peer network for the nations senior urban environmental professionals.
Susan Keil, Manager Pollution Prevention Services, City of Portland, OR was elected President and Pete Spatara, Assistant Director of Public Works, City of West Palm Beach, Fl was elected First Vice President. Lawerence Baker, formerly of the City of Irving Texas was elected Second Vice President. Lawerence retired from the city Feburary 28th, so currrently that position is vacant. The nominating committee is working to secure a new candidate.
Susan Keil, President of MWMA is confident this year’s officers and trustees reflect the diversity of interest and experiences of solid waste, recycling and waste to energy professionals. “ This years executive committee and board of trustees represent the breadth and depth of urban environmental issues. From waste to energy, to recycling and environmental policy, our leadership had the experience and expertise to position MWMA as a practical and progressive organization.” As MWMA President, Ms. Keil and the City of Portland is charged with developing and hosting MWMA’s 2005 Fall Summit. “Portland is excited about showcasing our environmental and solid waste management programs. The Fall Summit is a great opportunity for MWMA members to network with each other and our private sector colleagues, share best practices and stay current on environmental legislation and policy.”
MWMA depends on the time, talent and expertise of its’ volunteers to design and deliver professional development opportunities, legislative briefings, and practical management solutions to our membership. MWMA officers and trustees provide strategic direction for the organization, contribute to its’ programming, including quarterly conference calls, list serve discussions, and serving as panelists for the annual Fall Summit.
“ The 2005 Executive Committee and Board of Trustees are committed to MWMA and will continue to champion the exploration of new technologies for improved operations, promotion of electronics recycling and extended product stewardship, facilitate dialogue with our private sector partners, and advocate for healthy and clean cities,” concluded Ms. Keil.
The 2005 MWMA Executive Committee and Board of Trustees are:
President
Susan Keil, City of Portland, OR
1 st Vice President
Peter Spatara, City of West Palm Beach, Fl
2 nd Vice President
Vacant
Immediate Past President
Kevin Bennett, Lexington-Fayette Urban County, KY Government
Past Presidents
Sarah Lile, City of Detroit
Willie Rhodes, City of Austin, TX
Karen Larkin, City of Tacoma, WA
Gary Price, City of Denver, CO
Rudy Davidson, Louisville-Jefferson County, KY Government
Tom Henderson, City of Washington, DC
Trustees
Jonathan Bilmes, Bristol Resource Recovery, CT
Daniel Cardenas, City of San Antonio, TX
Mike Carroll, City of Orlando, FL
Frank Giordano, Pollution Control Financing Authority, Camden County, NJ
Elmer Heap, City of San Diego, CA
Sean McDonald, City of Seattle, WA
Al Sanchez, City of Chicago, IL
Clarena Toleson, City of Philadelphia, PA
Daphne Washington, Kern County, CA
Steve Willis, City of San Jose, CA
Cities Share Best Practices in Sustainable Development
by Larry Tate
Rosemary Ives, Mayor of Redmond, Washington, chaired the meeting of the Sustainable Development Task Force. The well-attended session focused on how cities can implement sustainable development practices at the local level.
Mayor Ross "Rocky" Anderson of Salt Lake City spoke in detail of the initiative called "Salt Lake City Green," which he said was "developed from scratch" and which includes many different city programs in support of sustainable development. These programs were based on a "sustainability inventory" that looked at various policies and activities of the city's government to set priorities and find specific areas where practical measures could be taken. Among the programs that resulted were:
A very successful light-rail line was built (and is due to be expanded further), which now transports 130,000 people a day.
A campaign was undertaken to improve pedestrian safety and make the city safe and attractive for walking. Specific measures included new lights at pedestrian crossings and orange flags that walkers could carry to help drivers see them. Pedestrian injuries decreased by 37%.
An exercise competition was organized among city government workers, who formed "green teams" and used pedometers provided by the city to show how many steps they took each day. Both the fitness and the morale of the employees improved noticeably.
New bike lanes and bike racks were provided to encourage bicycling.
The city sued to block a new freeway that would have aggravated air- quality problems that result from the topography of the city's natural setting.
Various measures involving natural gas for city vehicles, the promotion of energy-efficient lighting, and the promotion of recycling have made city operations more environmentally sound.
Mayor Anderson has set a goal for the city of complying with the Kyoto Protocol to limit the effects of global warming, and encourages other cities to do the same even if the federal government does otherwise.
Mayor Gary Becker of Racine, Wisconsin, discussed the experience of his city, which historically was the site of much heavy industry and has had to make major efforts to promote sustainability. "Everything's connected," he said, referring to "quality of life issues." He cited four "pillars" of sustainable development: economics, social equity, environment and education.
Thanks to funding from a local philanthropist, Racine has been able to undertake a "formal process" in this area, getting input from "all sectors of the community." Many CEOs and elected officials have been brought into the process. Mayor Becker believes the structure of the initiative is less important than the long-term vision that underlies it.
Ryan Bell, of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), spoke of his organization's partnerships with cities. ICLEI's mission is to build and serve a worldwide movement of local governments to achieve tangible improvements in global sustainability with special focus on environmental conditions through cumulative local actions. He cited the interactive importance of environmental, economic and social factors.
Key elements of a sustainability process, he said, were: community input, political support, and holistic vision. ICLEI helps local communities do a "sustainability inventory" and develop a "sustainability action plan."
Finally, Carol Brown from the City of Chicago, spoke of Mayor Richard Daley's goal of making Chicago "the greenest city in the country" and following a "green action plan." Mayor Ives suggested that Mayors attending USCM's Annual Meeting in June get a tour of sites in Chicago demonstrating the city's comprehensive efforts in support of sustainability.
Turner Highlights Congressional Urban Economic Initiatives -Saving America’s Cities Working Group and Brownfields Tax Incentives
By Judy Sheahan
Representative Mike Turner (OH) spoke at the Wednesday plenary session at the Conference of Mayors’ 73 rd Winter Meeting about two urban economic initiatives - Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert’s (IL) “Saving America’s Cities” Working Group and his own Brownfields Tax Credit bill.
Turner, the former Mayor of Dayton, serves as the Chair for Speaker Hastert’s “Saving America’s Cities” Working Group. The Working Group, according to Turner is made up of a members who have municipal urban experience, urban impacted districts, or members who sit on committees that deal with urban issues. The purpose of the group is to develop a list of goals and principles to help urban America, identify solutions, and advocate for legislation that meet the goals of the group. The primary focus is on economic development and redevelopment.
“I know you struggle every day with economic development along with other things such as crime, social services, and homeland security,” Turner said, “but what is fundamentally important is economic development. Economic development leads to prosperity.”
In addition to chairing the working group, Turner will also be reintroducing his Brownfields Tax Credit bill, H.R. 4480. “The Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act of 2002 provides some protection against liability but does not address the high redevelopment costs of brownfield sites,” Turner said. “The high cost of redevelopment of brownfields remains the number one impediment to urban economic development.”
The $1 billion annual tax credit would be allocated to states according to population and administered by the state. The tax credits would be awarded based on the remediation plan and it would allow for up to 50 percent of demolition and remediation costs. The tax credits are also transferable to third parties such as banks with the proceeds of the sale are non-taxable. The remainder of the costs is deductible/depreciable by the property owner. In addition, there is an incentive for property owners who have “mothballed” their sites. Potentially responsible parties that contribute no less than 25 percent of remediation costs receive liability release for 100 percent of approved remediation and demolition costs.
Last year when Turner first introduced the bill, which was endorsed by the Conference of Mayors, he was joined by then Conference President Mayors James Garner of Hempstead, Conference Vice President Don Plusquellic of Akron, National League of Cites First Vice President Anthony Williams of the District of Columbia, and Doug Scott of Rockford.
Turner asked for the Conference’s support. “I need your help in educating people regarding the opportunities for this bill,” Turner said, “Please go to your Representatives, Senators, and businesses and get them to support this bill.”
Turner said, “I will be the first to acknowledge that we have our work cut out for us – but I want to assure you that I will continue to do what I can – to advance policies that make sense economically for America’s cities.”
Senator Voinovich Addresses Mayors’ Concerns
By Brett Rosenberg
Ohio Senator George V. Voinovich addressed the mayors during the 73 rd Annual Winter Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Senator Voinovich reserved most of his remarks for his Clear Skies Act, a bill he and Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma recently reintroduced; however, he spent considerable time discussing the importance of other city issues such as the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, work pending on the highway bill, water and wastewater infrastructure, and Homeland Security.
Senator Voinovich thanked Mayor Don Plusquellic for his five terms of service as a mayor of Akron and the mayors in the audience for their involvement in the organization. As a former mayor himself, and later the governor of Ohio, Voinovich said that he has “special eyes about the challenges that cities and other local governments face.” Among these many challenges, unfunded mandates causing severe economic strain on local governments in spite of the Senator’s 1992 unfunded mandate relief legislation. As Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley discussed the day before, unfunded mandates continue to impede local economic development and Voinovich pledged to work to ease these burdens and encouraged mayors to form coalitions with other organizations of elected officials and let their opinions known to Congress.
Voinovich stated his commitment to preserve the CDBG program, to the applause of the mayors. CDBG, according to the Senator, “is the finest federal program ever to impact cities.” Citing press reports that CDBG funding may face reductions, Voinovich said he will “go to the wall” to protect the program, and even push the federal government to expand it. Voinovich also delved into other legislative priorities, expressing the importance of the highway bill to cities’ economies, reforming clean water and water infrastructure rules to ease unfunded mandates, tort reform, and working to more directly funnel Homeland Security funding to local governments.
The Clear Skies Initiative, which President Bush first proposed in 2002, provided the centerpiece of Senator Voinovich’s remarks. Last year, Voinovich and Senator Inhofe introduce S. 1844, The Clear Skies Act, on behalf of the President; however, the bill never came to fruition in the Congress. The Act, according to the Senator, will bring relief to regions nationwide facing air pollution from coal-burning electric utilities while not causing undo economic hardship on communities, especially those facing non-attainment for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards for fine particle pollution and ground-level ozone.
In expressing that a non-attainment designation can drive away businesses looking to expand in an area, or prevent new manufacturers from relocating, Voinovich said that current clean air regulations cost jobs and hurt local economic development. Current EPA regulations, according to Voinovich do not recognize the global economy or the impacts of its stricter and costlier regulations on cities.
The Clear Skies Act, according to the Senator, will ease some of these economic burdens while providing cleaner air for everyone. The Act, as currently written, along with new EPA diesel rules, will bring 278 of the 317 counties currently out of attainment for particulates and ozone into attainment by 2015. Additionally, according to Voinovich, Clear Skies will reduce sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and mercury emissions from power plants by 70% through the “most aggressive and substantial clean air initiative ever.” Through a phased-in series of pollution reduction targets and a market-based cap and trade system, this program will provide regulatory certainty to the utility industry and the business community while easing pollution from power plants by 2018.
Senator Voinovich encouraged the mayors to contact their senators and support the Clear Skies Act.
SAVE THE DATE! The Municipal Waste Management Association and The Washington, DC Department of Solid Waste Spring Legislative and Regulatory Update One Judiciary Square Building April 13th
April 14th
Look for full agenda and registration form online www.usmayors.org/mwma |
Executive Commitee President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Immediate Past President Past Presidents Trustees
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