West Virginia Brownfields

The FOCUS WV Program is not currently accepting for its 2012 Program Year. A Request for Proposals is expected to be released in the Summer of 2012 for the next round of FOCUS WV funding. If you have questions about the FOCUS Program or would like to learn more about its effective model for brownfield redevelopment, contact Luke Elser, NBAC Project Manager, at Luke.Elser@mail.wvu.edu or by phone at 304.293.6990.

The Northern West Virginia Brownfields Assistance Center (NBAC) at West Virginia University is seeking communities that would like to apply for up to $5,000 in brownfield redevelopment assistance from the Foundations for Overcoming Challenges and Utilizing Strengths West Virginia (FOCUS WV) Program. This grant program, funded by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, began in 2009 to redevelop brownfields sites across the state and has funded 40 community projects for a total of $308,000.

The FOCUS WV Brownfields program helps communities create a redevelopment vision for brownfield properties of strategic community interest. Activities eligible for funding include conducting environmental site assessments, holding community meetings, and identifying and involving project stakeholders.

Successful applicants will:


• Have a site located in West Virginia
• Identify the site and any known issues
• Demonstrate the capacity to implement the FOCUS project

Helpful hints from past grantees:


• "Have a realistic plan and budget. Think about what your project could bring to the community along with the steps needed to see the project to completion"
• "Develop public interest and awareness because you can't do things alone!"
• "Create a local taskforce and have active communication with all of your partners"
• "Be patient! It's a long process, don't ever forget your smaller victories as you move toward your ultimate desired outcomes"

Links:

2012 FOCUS WV Application
2012 FOCUS WV Program Guide
FOCUS WV Program Overview Webinar Presentation