The problem of environmental justice is not just one for inner cities. Particularly in AZ, where we have many depressed, rural communities it is important to lead to way to clean environmental damage, restore property value and help these communities come back and flourish.
ADEQ's Brownfields program is also looking at the depressed, rural communities in AZ for redevelopment. In a public meeting from Kingman in 2008, ADEQ addressed its Brownfields funding for rural communities:
Arcelious Stephens, ADEQ Brownfields Coordinator, explained that there are two segments of Brownfields funding – federal and state. There is a lot to the definition of “Brownfields”, but the bottom line is there is room for creativity and “thinking outside the box.”
Abandoned industrial properties can be associated with blight, environmental risk, decreased property values, and safety concerns. The federal and state Brownfields programs are designed to address all of these issues. Properties with hazardous substances, petroleum substances and mind-scarred land are eligible for funding. Asbestos, on the other hand, needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for funding. For state Brownfields funds, governmental entities and non-profit organizations are eligible. The program is designed to help move properties in rural Arizona toward redevelopment. There is no competition with the state’s metropolitan areas. “This is about you.”
Many rural communities have obtained funding, including Winslow, Avondale, St. Johns, Globe, Yuma County, Wickenburg and Willcox.
If there is a demand for development in rural communities I can understand the push for federal funds to clean up a site. Cleaning up a polluted site just for the sake of cleaning it up makes me question the notion that the money is being put to the best use. Over time, industry as we have known it has changed and business that dried up in smaller communities is not likely to return. I am not suggesting that small towns should be written off but I am curious how the Federal Government prioritizes projects like this.
ReplyDeleteIn 2008 I believe, the world tilted the scales and for the first time in history more than 50% of the population lived in urban areas. This trend only appears to be increasing and I wonder if the metro areas should get more environmental cleanup effort. What do you think?