Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) recently awarded Moore County a $20,000 grant through the Brownfield Redevelopment Area Grants (BRAG) program. The funds will be used to identify key properties within the county that are suitable for redevelopment.
The grant is part of a larger initiative to revitalize brownfield sites across Tennessee. Moore County was one of 36 recipients of the BRAG funding announced in July, aimed at addressing the challenges posed by underutilized and potentially contaminated properties.
Brownfields are typically vacant or abandoned properties where the presence of hazardous substances has hindered development. The BRAG program, which is funded through the Rural Brownfield Redevelopment Investment Act, offers local governments and development boards the necessary resources to investigate, clean up, and repurpose these sites. The program is designed to protect the environment while stimulating economic growth, especially in rural communities.
The legislation behind the BRAG program plays a crucial role in empowering local entities to transform these blighted properties into valuable assets. By remediating contamination, the program reduces public health risks and opens the door for new economic opportunities.
The $20,000 grant will help Moore County prioritize its brownfield sites, identifying those most in need of redevelopment. The move is part of the county’s broader effort to revitalize underdeveloped areas and attract new investments that can boost the local economy.
As the state continues its push for brownfield redevelopment, the BRAG program remains a key tool in revitalizing communities, safeguarding public health, and promoting sustainable growth throughout Tennessee.