Brownfield Grants

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) provides Brownfield Grants and Loans to support the redevelopment of contaminated, blighted, or functionally obsolete properties throughout Michigan. These financial tools are designed to facilitate economic development by encouraging the reuse of properties that might otherwise remain vacant or underutilized. By revitalizing these sites, communities can return properties to productive use, increase local tax revenues, reduce urban sprawl, and stimulate job creation. The program specifically supports activities such as environmental site assessments, baseline environmental assessments, due care planning and implementation, demolition, and abatement of hazardous materials like asbestos, mold, and lead. Grants are typically directed toward properties with confirmed contamination and a defined redevelopment plan that demonstrates public benefit. Loans, by contrast, may also be used at properties with suspected contamination when economic development potential is evident. Eligible applicants include local units of government such as brownfield redevelopment authorities, economic development corporations, and other public bodies created under Michigan state law. Grants cannot directly benefit any party responsible for causing contamination; however, loans may be structured to include such parties, subject to restrictions. Importantly, EGLE staff work closely with communities prior to application to determine eligibility and ensure projects are appropriately scoped and funded. Each project may receive up to $1 million in grant funds and up to $1 million in loans. For projects delivering significant environmental or economic impact, higher funding levels may be considered. The application process is non-competitive and accepts submissions on a rolling basis throughout the year. Applicants are encouraged to engage with EGLE early to discuss project details and funding structures. The program does not list specific application forms or requirements online, but multiple guidance documents are available, including templates for work plans, deliverables, quarterly reports, and reimbursement requests. EGLE offers comprehensive documentation to support both grant and loan administration, including example forms and video instructions for financial reporting. There is no fixed deadline for applications. Instead, submissions are reviewed continuously, and awards are issued based on the merits of the proposed redevelopment and its expected public benefit. Interested applicants can find their regional EGLE Brownfield Redevelopment Coordinator through an interactive contact map. The program does not publish a recurring award schedule, but applicants may apply at any time.