Calumet County has been selected by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a $1.5 million Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant.
The funding is intended to support Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, site inventory and prioritization, the development of cleanup plans and other redevelopment planning activities. The assessment work is expected to focus primarily on sites within Calumet and Outagamie County.
“Selection for this EPA Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant is an important opportunity for Calumet County and our regional partners,” said Jason Pausma, Economic Development Director for Calumet County. “This funding will help communities better understand site conditions, reduce redevelopment uncertainty, and advance strategic properties toward productive reuse that supports long-term economic growth.”
Outagamie County and Fox Cities Greenways, Inc. are coalition members that will be partnering with Calumet County to utilize this grant.
“These investments will help identify opportunities to transform underutilized sites into accessible trails, greenways, and outdoor spaces that encourage active living, improve community connectivity, and enhance the quality of life throughout the Fox Cities region,” said Dennis Kittle, President of the Fox Cities Greenways.
Brillion was selected for a separate $1 million Brownfields Multipurpose Grant to conduct additional assessment and cleanup work targeting primarily the Brillion Works brownfield site.
The selections are part of EPA’s broader fiscal year 2026 Brownfields funding announcement.
Brownfields are properties where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
“Brownfields revitalization creates opportunities not only to address environmental concerns, but also to strengthen local tax base, improve community assets, and support job creation,” Pausma said. “Calumet County looks forward to working with EPA and coalition partners to advance this effort.”
