© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

TECHNOTE: Thu 9/4/25 Radio broadcast interruptions during tower work 9am-5pm

Mid-Michigan to use $500K EPA grant for brownfield assessments

Scott Pohl/WKAR

Officials say there are some 2,800 vacant, under-utilized and contaminated brownfield sites in Mid-Michigan. Some are the legacy of a wave of automotive plant and parts supplier closures spanning three decades. Others are former gas stations, garages and dry cleaning shops that contain an array of environmental pollutants. These idle sites are a threat to public health and a barrier to economic development. Now, a new federal grant will be put towards remediation.The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $500,000 to the Lansing Regional Brownfields Coalition to clean up more than a dozen sites.

Current State talks about the project with one of two project managers for this grant, Keith Lambert of LEAP, the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, and Karl Dorshimer, the director of business development with LEAP.

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
Related Content
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.