Saginaw Downtown Development Authority awarded cleanup grant for new farmers market
WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 28, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — The DEQ today announced a $1 million grant for the Saginaw Downtown Development Authority to address brownfield conditions at the former Saginaw News and Firestone Tire sites downtown.
The grant will pay for investigations to determine the extent of contamination, disposal of contaminated soil, capping, and partial building demolition. The existing Saginaw Farmers Market will relocate to the project site, located at S. Water Street and S. Washington Avenue. The former Saginaw News building will host an indoor farmers market, food hub, commercial kitchen space, ballroom and conference space, and offices.
The property will be redeveloped by SVRC, a local organization that provides access to job training and placement, vocational rehabilitation, counseling, education, and other assistance for individuals with barriers to employment and services. SVRC will invest more than $8 million in construction and asbestos abatement costs. The project will create 21 to 23 jobs, including some that will be filled by SVRC clients.
The DEQ’s Brownfield Redevelopment Program provides funding to local governments for environmental response activities on brownfield properties where redevelopment is proposed. Brownfield properties are vacant or abandoned properties with known or suspected environmental contamination.
Contact
Susan Wenzlick, 231-876-4422,
Karen Tommasulo, 517-284-6716, 
