Targeted Brownfield Development Loan Program

The Targeted Brownfield Development Loan Program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), specifically through its Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD). This loan program supports redevelopment efforts across Connecticut by providing low-interest, flexible-term loans for the investigation, assessment, remediation, and redevelopment of brownfield properties. These sites are often underutilized or abandoned due to contamination concerns, and the program seeks to return them to productive use, contributing to economic growth and community revitalization. Eligible applicants include current brownfield property owners and potential purchasers, such as municipalities and economic development agencies. However, a key requirement is that current owners must not have contributed to the site's contamination. The funding allows for a broad range of eligible uses, including environmental investigation and cleanup, hazardous materials abatement, infrastructure repair, legal and consulting fees, and demolition activities. Loan amounts can reach up to $6 million per project under the current funding round. This is an increase from prior rounds, where the cap was $4 million. Loan terms are designed to align with private financing structures, offering up to 30 years for repayment and allowing for deferred interest or principal payments. Applicants are evaluated on criteria such as project readiness, economic and community impact, local conditions, alignment with state planning goals, return on investment, and applicant experience. Awards are competitive and based on a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). For Round 22, applications must be submitted by noon on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The anticipated award announcement window is November to December 2025. Applicants must first complete Part A (threshold eligibility) of the loan application before proceeding to Part B (project details). Applications and attachments can be submitted via a SharePoint folder provided upon request or by email. All materials must include the applicant’s name, a brief project title, and the correct program code. Round 22 includes significant updates, including the revised funding cap and changes to prevailing wage rules. Projects receiving over $1 million in funding must apply prevailing wage rates to cleanup contracts but not to redevelopment or vertical construction if DECD funds are not used for that phase. Informational webinars and office hours are available for applicant support. Questions about the program must be submitted by August 11, 2025. For further information, applicants may contact Binu Chandy, Director of OBRD, at binu.chandy@ct.gov or call (860) 500-2454. Updated forms and schedules are available on the program website at www.ctbrownfields.gov.

Ensure full completion of Part A before proceeding to Part B; review NOFA criteria thoroughly; leverage private funding sources to increase ROI; attend webinars for clarification