Contamination Cleanup and Investigation and RAP Development Grant

The Contamination Cleanup and Investigation and RAP Development Grant Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), supports local communities in addressing environmental contamination issues at developed or previously developed sites. Through its Brownfields and Redevelopment Unit, DEED aims to facilitate the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties that present significant barriers to productive reuse. The program is designed for new parties seeking to revitalize underused sites, rather than long-term site operators. Grants are awarded based on established statewide, statutory criteria. This program focuses specifically on assisting communities with the investigation and remediation of soil, soil vapor, and groundwater contamination. It also supports the development of Response Action Plans (RAPs) necessary for managing environmental risks. Eligible projects typically involve complex, high-cost redevelopments that would not be financially feasible without such assistance. The emphasis is on repurposing contaminated properties into more productive uses, particularly in cases where private investment alone would be insufficient due to the scale of contamination or cost of cleanup. To apply, applicants must submit three complete sets of the application: one paper copy and two electronic copies (on separate flash drives). Applications can be submitted via mail or courier but must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 1, 2026. For those submitting in person, materials should be delivered to the DEED office on the 12th floor of the Great Northern Building in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where a cart is provided in the elevator lobby for drop-off. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. All application materials must be clearly labeled and organized in a binder. The application process requires that each set of materials be fully completed and clearly presented to be considered for funding. While no pre-application is required, applicants are encouraged to attend the informational webinar scheduled for February 24, 2026, to learn more about the grant process and other related funding opportunities. This session will be hosted jointly by DEED, the Metropolitan Council, and Hennepin and Ramsey Counties, and will be accessible virtually through Microsoft Teams. Technical assistance is available to help applicants navigate the process. Interested parties may contact the Brownfields and Redevelopment Unit by phone for support and clarification of application requirements. While no specific evaluation criteria are detailed in the public materials, awards are determined based on Minnesota’s statutory funding guidelines and redevelopment priorities. The program does not appear to be recurring and is currently operating on a fixed deadline basis. Applicants are advised to ensure their submissions are complete and timely to be considered in the 2026 funding round.