EPA Awards $4M for Saraland's Brownfields Cleanup and Redevelopment

The Facts -

September 30, 2026

EPA Allocates Over $4 Million for Brownfields Projects in Saraland, Alabama

Saraland, Ala. (September 30, 2026) — In a collaborative effort to transform environmentally impacted sites, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant investment of more than $4 million in Brownfields funding. The focus is on revitalizing Saraland, Alabama, with substantial support allocated for The Land Sports and Recreation Complex.

The City of Saraland will receive $2.6 million aimed at the cleanup of the Northern Parcel Source Area, paving the way for the future development of the sports and recreation facility. Additionally, the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC) is awarded a $1.5 million Assessment Grant. This grant will assess properties for potential redevelopment, enhancing the region's economic prospects.

"These brownfield grants represent opportunities to re-imagine contaminated properties as assets that meet the needs of communities," stated EPA Regional Administrator Kevin McOmber. According to McOmber, transforming neglected sites can galvanize community enthusiasm for new development.

"Cleaning up these properties and putting them to good use is a win for Saraland and the entire South Alabama community," remarked U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R – AL – 1). He emphasized that the funding will assist in advancing Saraland’s plans for The Land, fostering new opportunities for community engagement.

"This grant represents a significant investment in infrastructure and the long-term future of our community," expressed City of Saraland Mayor Joe McDonald. McDonald acknowledged the EPA's role in addressing environmental issues to unlock the full potential of the site.

"Through partnerships like this, we get to bring resources and expertise together to create vital, long-term community development," said SARPC Assistant Executive Director Thomas Piper. The funding is expected to empower communities across South Alabama to return underutilized properties to productive use.

"ADEM is proud to partner with the City of Saraland and EPA to transform this property into a community asset that will benefit families," stated Alabama Department of Environmental Management Director Edward Poolos. He noted that each dollar invested in brownfield projects in Alabama results in more than a thousand dollars in community investment.

The combined efforts of Saraland and SARPC make them two of four recipients of the 2026 Brownfield Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grant in Alabama, contributing to a total state-wide investment of $6.1 million by the EPA. The funding aims to expedite the remediation of contaminated sites while fostering community and economic revitalization. More information about the EPA Brownfields Land Revitalization Program can be found at https://www.epa.gov/brownfields.

About EPA Brownfields Grant

Since the inception of the EPA’s Brownfields Program in 1995, it has focused on the assessment, cleanup, and revitalization of contaminated areas. This latest funding round pushes its historical funding beyond $3 billion. The program’s investments have spurred over $45 billion in redevelopment and cleanup activities, creating more than 228,900 jobs from its relatively modest federal funding. As of fiscal year 2025, each EPA Brownfields Grant dollar awarded has leveraged approximately $19.47 from other sources, reflecting its significant impact on community revitalization.

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