FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 25, 2002

JENNIFER BOES, 302.672.6811

(Dover, Del.) - The State of Delaware is offering an expanded matching grants program and has enacted new regulations to help encourage and expedite the redevelopment of brownfields. These initiatives were provided for through the Brownfields Development Bill, sponsored by Senator Robert I. Marshall and Representative Joseph G. DiPinto and signed into law on July 13, 2001.

Brownfields are commercial or industrial properties that have been abandoned or underutilized as a result of actual or perceived environmental contamination. These areas include former industrial sites, gas stations, dry cleaners, tanneries, and salvage yards.

John D. Wik, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO), said, "The revitalization of brownfields is key to the success of Governor Minner's Livable Delaware Initiative, which prevents sprawl by encouraging new development in areas where needed infrastructure already exists. Brownfield redevelopment also provides significant opportunities to business, including access to employment centers and transportation corridors."

DEDO's Brownfields Assistance Program now offers up to $1 million annually in matching funds to assist with the investigation and remediation of brownfield sites. Municipalities, developers and businesses that own brownfields are eligible for individual grants of up to $50,000.

Grants will be awarded based on a project's potential to maintain or expand employment in Delaware, to diversify the state's industry base, or to increase the state's tax base. To be considered for funding, sites must be certified as brownfields by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC).

DNREC recently adopted new regulations that establish a formal process for certifying a property as a brownfield. DNREC finalized its new brownfield certification criteria January 14, 2002 by amending the Delaware Regulations Governing Hazardous Substance Cleanup. In addition to qualifying properties for DEDO's Brownfields Assistance Program, the certification will make it easier to apply for federal brownfields redevelopment incentives offered under the new Small Business Liability Relief and Brownfields Revitalization Act.

According to DNREC Secretary Nicholas A. DiPasquale, "The amendment to the Delaware Regulations Governing Hazardous Substance Cleanup will aid the State of Delaware in remediating hundreds of brownfield properties throughout the state. In doing so, these properties can be returned to productive use."

For details on DNREC's new brownfields regulations and certification process, call Jim Poling at (302) 395-2600. Information can also be accessed on-line at www.dnrec.state.de.us. To learn more about the Brownfields Assistance Program, call Robert Propes at (302) 577-8708 or visit www.state.de.us/dedo and do a keyword search on "brownfields."