The New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the New Jersey Institute of Technology have partnered to establish the NJ Brownfields Center at NJIT.
The Brownfields Center will assist New Jersey communities revamp brownfield sites into community assets through a variety of resources provided by the EDA and NJIT.
“Returning contaminated sites to productive use is an essential component of (Gov. Phil) Murphy’s commitment to building stronger, more vibrant communities across New Jersey,” NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan said. “NJIT has an impressive history of helping communities successfully take on transformative redevelopment projects. We are excited to work with them and our partners at the municipal level to make New Jersey a safer, healthier place to live and work.”
To aid in brownfield redevelopment, Murphy recently proposed new programs, including a remediation and redevelopment tax credit, as well as a brownfield loan program through the EDA. In March 2019, the EDA and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection entered into a MOU to expand on the Community Collaboration Initiative, a mission that embeds NJDEP staff into 12 targeted communities to aid in the brownfield effort.
The new center at NJIT was developed with $200,000 from the NJEDA and will expand beyond the 12 communities as well as provide more tools to all brownfield communities in the state. It will also provide guidance and resources to county and local government to help navigate the redevelopment process as well as educate and engage the community around brownfield issues.
“We are thrilled to partner with the NJEDA to provide critical guidance and resources communities need to transform their brownfields sites into community assets,” Dr. Atam P. Dhawan, senior vice provost for research at NJIT, said. “Brownfield remediation can be an intimidating process, and it is important that we do all we can to support communities that are stepping up to the challenge. Our programs have a proven track record of success, and the additional resources the NJEDA is providing will help us drive positive change in even more communities that need it.”
