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Stimulus boosts dump cleanups

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By LINDSAY PETERSON

lpeterson@tampatrib.com

Published: May 12, 2009

Federal stimulus money is coming to Tampa to help the city clean up illegal dump sites and other polluted properties in East Tampa, Drew Park, Tampa Heights and the Central Park area.

The city will receive $400,000 of nearly $5 million coming to Florida to clean up areas known as brownfields. These are former industrial or commercial sites where pollution has hindered expansion and revitalization efforts.

Plant City and Clearwater will also get $400,000 each. The money will go toward cleaning up dozens of properties, including vacant automobile service stations and dry cleaners.

"Cleaning and reusing contaminated properties provide the catalyst to improving the lives of residents living in or near brownfields communities," said U.S. Environmental Production Association Administrator Lisa Jackson.

"A revitalized brownfields site reduces threats to human health and the environment, creates green jobs, promotes community involvement, and attracts investment in local neighborhoods."

For information on brownfields cleanup projects, go to www.epa.gov/brownfields/eparecovery/index.htm.

Reporter Lindsay Peterson can be reached at (813) 259-7834.

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