Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP)

The Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP), administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), offers grants and low-interest loans to promote the assessment and remediation of environmental contamination at former industrial sites throughout the Commonwealth. Established by Act 4 of May 1995, the program is a strategic effort by the state to support environmental clean-up activities that enable redevelopment and reuse of blighted, underutilized land that was previously engaged in industrial operations. The overarching goal is to reduce environmental hazards while revitalizing communities by encouraging productive land reuse. The program funds are intended exclusively for environmental assessment and remediation efforts. Eligible projects must be located on sites where industrial activity occurred prior to July 18, 1995, and the applicant must not have caused or contributed to the environmental contamination. Industrial activity is broadly defined to include commercial, manufacturing, utility, mining, warehousing, and related operations. Activities supported by the ISRP include Phase I (qualitative reviews), Phase II and III assessments (in-depth field testing and analysis), and remediation of both hazardous and certain nonhazardous substances. Loans may also support the cleanup of nonhazardous waste or debris such as waste tires or mining residues. Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania municipalities, counties, municipal authorities, redevelopment authorities, and nonprofit economic development agencies. These entities can apply for grants to assess or remediate land they own or intend to redevelop. Private companies and real estate developers may access loan funds but are not eligible for direct grants. In cases where public entities apply on behalf of private companies or developers, they may be eligible for assessment grants under certain conditions related to site ownership and oversight. Grants for assessments may cover up to 75% of total project costs, with a cap of $200,000 per fiscal year. Remediation grants may cover up to 75% of the remediation cost, with a cap of $1 million. A 25% match is required for all projects receiving grants or loans. Loans are issued at a 2% interest rate, with a maximum term of five years for assessments and fifteen years for remediation. Performance-based loans are available for nonhazardous waste remediation and may be partially forgiven if specific economic and environmental performance targets are achieved. The application process begins with submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to DCED, detailing the site, contamination history, proposed activities, and funding request. If the LOI is accepted, the applicant is invited to submit a formal online Single Application for Assistance. The application must include a scope of work approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and several supporting documents such as financial statements, contractor estimates, and local government letters of support. Applications are reviewed competitively, with preference given to sites with redevelopment potential, environmental urgency, and leveraged investment. Contact for inquiries and LOI submission is via the program email [email protected] or the DCED Site Development Office in Harrisburg. These guidelines, dated May 2022, do not specify an annual deadline, suggesting that funding cycles are recurring and dependent on budget availability. The program's structure implies a rolling but competitive process that applicants should approach with early preparation and engagement with DCED and DEP staff.

Submit LOI early to allow sufficient time for DEP scope approval. Ensure matching funds and redevelopment plans are clearly outlined.