Bolivar Receives $500k Community-Wide Assessment Grant

On May 12, 2022, the Biden Administration through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded $254.5 million in Brownfields grants to 265 communities. The City of Bolivar excitedly announced it was one of the 256 communities selected to be a recipient of the grant.

Brownfield projects can range from cleaning up buildings with asbestos or lead contamination, to assessing and cleaning up abandoned properties that once managed dangerous chemicals. Once cleaned up, former brownfield properties can be redeveloped into productive uses such as grocery stores, affordable housing, health centers, museums and parks.

The former Armira Corporation land, known as the tannery building, will be the first site in Bolivar to be assessed. Future development of the area will depend largely upon the results of these assessments, which will include water and soil samples.

“With today’s announcement, we’re turning blight into might for communities across America,” said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. “EPA’s Brownfields Program breathes new life into communities by helping to turn contaminated and potentially dangerous sites into productive economic contributors.”

Bolivar Mayor, Julian McTizic, praised several agencies including the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the US Environmental Protection Agency for assisting the City of Bolivar in obtaining the grant. Mayor McTizic said, “Without the assistance, support, and cooperation from these agencies, we could have never undertaken such an extensive project.” Mayor McTizic also praised the efforts of the city’s grant administrator, Mrs. Cathy Mayfield, for her tireless efforts in pursuit of this funding.

“I am excited to see this project come to fruition,” said Mrs. Mayfield, “we have submitted the project for consideration on two other occasions. I am proud to be a part of such a worthwhile project that will benefit our entire community.”