Monmouth Conservation Foundation (MCF) recently won a $500,000 Brownfield Community-Wide Assessment grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revitalize contaminated sites in Red Bank, New Jersey. VHB played a pivotal role in identifying various funding sources for the project.
Our company initially applied for Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund (HDSRF) grants, specifically earmarked for the remediation of contaminated properties. This laid the groundwork for subsequent discussions about potential funding sources, ultimately leading to the much-needed EPA grant.
However, this grant was about more than just money—it was a second chance for Red Bank. The three-year funding will be used to assess Brownfield sites over a 210-acre area, including the Borough’s former landfill, to plan for remediation, and to develop plans for a new park, with community engagement being a key element of the work.
A major aspect of the project will include a comprehensive site cleanup, leading to the future use as a public park for recreation and much more.
“MCF is planning to incorporate community gardens and a river walk to the design, which is essential in providing public access to waterways in New Jersey,” said Sergio Rojas, Director of Site Investigation and Remediation at VHB. “It also enhances resiliency through upgrades to bulkheads, which will help the community defend against impacts from flooding. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.”
Once completed, the newly transformed site in Red Bank will symbolize the town's journey from a place marred by its past to a beacon of sustainability and community spirit.
Our company is proud of its partnership with MCF and Red Bank. VHB's involvement in this program proved instrumental in identifying potential funding sources for projects like these.
“The more we help them get additional funding to make these projects viable, the greater our client and community relationships become,” Sergio said.
The collaboration between municipalities, nonprofits like MCF, and VHB exemplified the collective push toward a greener tomorrow and continues to create a lasting relationship that will benefit the community.
For additional information, please contact Sergio.