2015 Coalition Assessment Proposal Hazardous

R03-15-A-033
FY15 AC Proposal
Electronic Submission
LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
Threshold Criteria
A. Applicant Eligibility: The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) is
the lead organization for this Coalition Assessment Grant application. LVEDC is a quasigovernmental entity, which operates as the regional economic development agency for Lehigh
and Northampton Counties in eastern Pennsylvania. Beginning in 1998, LVEDC has
administered the region’s brownfield redevelopment program, known as the Lehigh Valley Land
Recycling Initiative (LVLRI). Documentation verifying LVEDC's eligibility to apply for
Brownfield Assessment Grant funding is included in Attachment A. The City of Allentown, City
of Bethlehem, City of Easton, Lehigh County, and Northampton County are members of this
Coalition Grant application. Each of these coalition members is a General Purpose Unit of Local
Government. Letters from these entities that verify their participation in the Coalition are also
included in Attachment A.
B. Letter from the State or Tribal Environmental Authority: Attachment B is a letter
illustrating PADEP's continuing commitment to assisting LVEDC's in its brownfields
redevelopment efforts and acknowledging LVEDC's intent to apply for these federal funds on
behalf of this Coalition.
C. Community Involvement: LVEDC will hold public meetings to incorporate community
input into the workplan of this grant. Publications in local newspapers, Spanish language media
outlets, the LVEDC newsletter, and LVEDC social media will keep residents in our targeted
community involved and informed. LVEDC will also host two annual public events to maintain
community involvement. A full description of LVEDC’s community involvement plan is
included in the narrative in this application.
D. Site Eligibility and Property Ownership Eligibility: Because this proposal is for a Coalition
Assessment grant and will be used for various sites, this section is not applicable.
Ranking Criteria
1. Community Need
1.a. Targeted Community and Brownfields
1.a.i. Targeted Community Description: Our targeted region is the Lehigh Valley in
Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley encompasses 726 square miles that define Lehigh and
Northampton counties. These two counties contain 62 sovereign municipalities. The entire
region is home to an estimated 650,507 residents. The majority of the region’s populations are
located in the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and the Slate Belt.
The Lehigh Valley thrived economically throughout the early part of the 20th century due to
the success of its industrial, manufacturing, and resource extraction sectors. Companies including
Bethlehem Steel, Mack Trucks, Atlas Cement, and dozens of textile mills and manufacturers led
these sectors. The Lehigh Valley economy was severely impacted when these industries began to
decline nationally as businesses closed or relocated due to increased global competition.
Lasting effects of the Lehigh Valley’s industrial collapse remain evident today. These effects
are felt both economically and environmentally as the Lehigh Valley continues to overcome the
effects of a reduced economic base following the loss of thousands of jobs and the looming
presence of abandoned factories and mills that blight and possibly contaminate the area. LVEDC
identifies the redevelopment of brownfields as an essential component of improving the region’s
health and welfare. Accordingly, LVEDC has adopted brownfield assessment and redevelopment
as a key initiative of a new three-year strategic regional development plan.
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LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
Our targeted community resides in the urban core regions of Allentown, Bethlehem, and
Easton where 72 identified brownfields are located and the communities of the Slate Belt region
of Bangor Borough, East Bangor Borough, Lower Mount Bethel Township, Pen Argyl Borough,
Plainfield Township, Portland Borough, Rose to Borough, Upper Mount Bethel Township,
Washington Township, and Wind Gap Borough where 32 identified brownfields have been
identified. Additionally, 22 other boroughs and suburban townships contain the remaining 45
identified brownfield properties.
1.a.ii. Demographic Information
Allentown
Total Population1 188,285
Income-to-Poverty 23.14%
Ratios by Family
under 12
Income-to-Poverty 26.09%
Ratios by Family
under 2 but more
than 12
7.30%
Percent
Population > 653
15.10%
Percent Women
18-49
16.75%
Percent
Population <183
43.41%
Percent Hispanic
or Latino of any
Race4
Percent Minority5 35.09%
1951
Median Age of
Housing Stock6
Bethle- Easton
Slate
Lehigh
hem
Belt
Valley
75,030 26,959 36,163 650,507
15.70% 20.61% 16.67% 8.71%
PA
USA
12,731,381
9.17%
311,536,594
11.29%
16.51% 21.50% 12.79% 13.55%
14.46%
16.30%
15.31% 10.45% 17.42% 15.54%
15.75%
13.43%
23.62% 25.27% 19.50% 20.85%
20.88%
21.70%
19.51% 22.14% 20.89% 22.45%
21.68%
23.71%
24.46% 21.07% 3.37%
6.66%
5.92%
16.62%
21.77% 33.37% 3.48%
1955
1939
1950
8.24%
1968
17.78%
1961
25.98%
1976
Data source: U.S. Census Bureau; American Community Survey, 2013 American Community
Survey 5-Year Estimates, Table B01003- Total Population1, B17026- Ratio of Income to
Poverty Level of Families2, B01001- Sex by Age3, B03002-Hispanic or Latino Origin by Race4,
B02001- Race5, and B25035- Median Year Structure Built6 Note: The US Census defines the
Income-to-poverty ratios as the ratio of family or unrelated individual income to their
appropriate poverty threshold. Ratios below 1.00 indicate that the income for the respective
family or unrelated individual is below the official definition of poverty, while a ratio of 1.00 or
greater indicates income above the poverty level.
1.a.iii. Brownfields: The current LVEDC regional brownfield inventory identifies 149
brownfields totaling over 2,000 acres. Of these 149 sites, 72 are located in the three cities of
Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. These urban communities are home to the region’s most
sensitive populations emphasized by higher than the national average minority population and
poverty rations, as seen in the demographic table. These sites include abandoned gas stations,
former mill sites, abandoned quarries, and former steel and steel-support-industry sites. In the
sixteen years that LVEDC’s brownfields program has been operating, completed assessments
indicate that the primary environmental contaminants remaining at many of these sites are lead
and arsenic - a result of the use of slag and coal ash aggregate used as fill. Our targeted
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LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
communities that surround these sites are exposed to these identified contaminants, presenting a
prescient risk to human health and the environment.
1.a.iv. Cumulative Environmental Issues: Due to the long history of industrial and
manufacturing activity in the Lehigh Valley there are observed rates of high arsenic, lead, and
heavy metal contamination throughout the region. This contamination is seen in the majority of
Phase I and Phase II assessments done by LVEDC with EPA grant funding since 2005. Most of
the structures on the LVEDC brownfield inventory were built in the early 1900s and, due to their
age contain high amounts of asbestos and lead paint. The air quality of the Lehigh Valley is
severely impacted by increasing rates of highway congestion. In 2014, the American Lung
Association1 gave both Lehigh and Northampton counties a grade of “F” for air quality related
to ground level ozone. In addition to widespread pollution and contamination issues, suburban
sprawl and associated open space loss has been a major issue in development and planning in the
Lehigh Valley and has become a major focus of the comprehensive planning strategy employed
by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and ratified by all 62 municipalities.
1.b. Impacts on Targeted Community: Residents of our targeted community face a clear
threat to their health throughout the Lehigh Valley. Environmental health impacts affecting this
sensitive population are demonstrated through prolonged exposure to brownfield properties in
urban areas, identified widespread environmental contaminants, and significant air pollution. In
addition to the American Lung Association’s “F” for ground level ozone, the Allentown metro
area ranked #10 in worst cities in the US for asthma according to the AAFA. The cities were
ranked based on air pollution, ozone days, pollen counts, medicine use, poverty rates, and public
smoking laws. The percentage of children enrolled in special education classes with specific
learning disabilities, linked to lead exposure (J Learn Disabil June/July 1994 vol. 27 no. 6 393399) is 55.4% in Allentown, 58.7% in Bethlehem, and 59.6% in Easton, compared to only 48.3%
in Pennsylvania (Source: Pennsylvania State Data Center, May 2012). In areas inhabited by
residents identified as our targeted community, the median age of homes is 65 years. An EPA
study shows that due to the age of these homes, it is likely that blood levels of lead are elevated.
Additionally, a 2012 study performed by the Healthcare Council of the Lehigh Valley2 showed
that the Lehigh Valley is sicker than most communities in the United States. In addition to
environmental contamination, other serious health factors are affecting our targeted community.
Northampton County ranks near the bottom (58th out of 67), making it one of the sickest
counties in Pennsylvania. Lehigh County is slightly better, ranking 38th, but still in the bottom
half of the state. (Source: 2012 County Health Rankings) In the Lehigh Valley, 215, 528 people
suffer from heart disease (American Heart Association and US Census) and 24.5% of deaths are
from cancer (higher than PA’s average of 23.3%) (PA Department of Health Vital Statistics). In
a sick community, the redevelopment of urban core brownfields becomes an integral component
of public health improvement, as eliminating blight improves mental health and creating jobs in
walkable communities lowers air pollution and generates the wealth needed to access regular
health care.
1.c. Financial Need: Economic conditions for families and individuals in these communities
are challenging, as the capacity of our municipal and state governments to provide assistance has
1
Northampton - State of the Air 2014 | American Lung Association Retrieved from
http://www.stateoftheair.org/2014/states/pennsylvania/northampton-42095.html
2
Health Care Council of the Lehigh Valley – The Road to Health 2012, retrieved from
http://www.shh.org/media/community-health/Section%20D%20Community%20Health%20Profile%20092712FINAL%20(2).pdf
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LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
declined over consecutive fiscal years. Each city has had financial trouble as revenues and permit
fees have decreased while employee health care and pension costs have skyrocketed. The 72
brownfields in Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton, combined with the 32 identified brownfields
in the Slate Belt, offer no annual contribution to the tax base of their municipalities while
preventing, through blight and vacancy, potential job creation in the urban cores of the Lehigh
Valley. The budgets of municipal governments in the region are down, with spending cuts
affecting social programs that assist our sensitive population. The State of Pennsylvania has
markedly trimmed or eliminated virtually all discretionary programs, including those that support
economic development, further contributing to the lack of local brownfield redevelopment.
These budget cuts have eliminated a vital regional resource that formerly enabled LVEDC to
leverage funding through state programs in Pennsylvania to help remediate and redevelop
brownfields.
The current economic situation in the Lehigh Valley has placed heightened emphasis on the
importance of federal funding needed to sustain the critical activities of the LVEDC brownfield
redevelopment program. LVEDC has a demonstrated record of success implementing
redevelopment projects through EPA grant funding. LVEDC works actively with the Lehigh
Valley’s municipalities, PA DEP and the EPA to assist numerous projects in the Lehigh Valley
region. Despite LVEDC’s lengthy record of successful redevelopment, the Lehigh Valley has
significant legacy issues that continue to need attention, as demonstrated by the LVEDC
brownfield inventory. As demonstrated in our demographic table, the majority of our listed sites
are located in areas with the highest rates of poverty and lowest rates of income.
Furthermore, the Lehigh Valley is continually impacted by company closures and downsizing, as
major companies have shed 2,475 jobs since 2012:
Employer Name
Business Type
Positions Terminated
Year
ACCO Brands
Avago (LSI)
Bell & Howell
Cenveo/Cadmus
Coll Material
D.B. Schanker
Express Times
F.L. Smidth
Fresenius Medical
International Battery
Medline
T-Mobile
Telerx
Walgreens
Office products
Semiconductors
Electronics
Printing
Plastic Recycling
Distribution
Publisher
Cement Technology
Medical Services
Lithium Ion Batteries
Health Care
Call Center
Call Center
Distribution
300
120
60
195
47
223
87
52
95
55
60
605
156
420
2012
2014
2014
2012
2012
2014
2014
2013
2013
2013
2014
2013
2014
2014
2. Project Description and Feasibility of Success
2.a. Project Description
2.a.i. Project Description: LVEDC, through LVLRI, has worked to redevelop brownfields
in the Lehigh Valley since 1998. LVLRI supports regional and site-specific marketing of
brownfield sites, participates in targeted outreach to stakeholders and the public on brownfield
redevelopment issues, leverages funding and financing for environmental assessment and
abatement work, guides public and private sector partners through Pennsylvania’s ACT 2 and
Voluntary Cleanup Program, and serves as the regional authority on brownfield research and
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LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
information. In 2014, following the recommendations of a HUD-funded economic study on the
Lehigh Valley, LVEDC adopted a new three-year strategic plan. One of the key focuses of the
strategic plan is city and urban development and brownfield redevelopment. Funding provided
from this grant will enable LVLRI to bring the strategic plan’s goals to fruition. Listed below are
key sites that LVEDC anticipates supporting with the assessment grant, as identified as priorities
by LVEDC and the LVLRI Advisory Committee. These sites and other redevelopment priorities
are featured in a quarterly redevelopment priority issued by LVEDC.
 Adelaide Silk Mill, Allentown PA: Seated on an 8-acre property in center city
Allentown, this 235,000-square-foot building is a key redevelopment priority for the City of
Allentown. A Phase I performed at this site in 2013 identified potential RECs that will require
Phase II work, which is estimated between $20,000 and $30,000. This Phase II will also include
an asbestos and lead survey.
 Wenz Memorial, Allentown, PA: Located near center city Allentown, this site has a
prominent location in a commercial district and is visibly blighted. A Phase I performed at this
site in 2013 indicated a need for Phase II work with an estimated cost at $24,000.
 Former Bethlehem Steel Headquarters, Bethlehem, PA: Vacant 53.8 acre, 21 story
building and campus with USTs and a major asbestos problem. This is the tallest building in the
Lehigh Valley. This property was awarded the State “CRIZ” designation in 2013. The CRIZ is a
tax incentive program meant to foster redevelopment of vacant and blighted properties.
 Former Lehigh Dairy, Whitehall, PA: This site is 19.2 acres containing several old
buildings that housed the headquarters and distribution center for the dairy in the 1950s. 75% of
the site is vacant and the single tenant has not invested in the property.
 Black Diamond Silk Mill, Easton PA: Vacant for decades, this former textile
manufacturing facility is considered blighted and a priority for development for the City of
Easton. The site is less than a mile from major transportation modes. The building received
Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) designation from the Pennsylvania Department of
Community and Economic Development in 2013, which provides tax incentives for
redevelopment. A Phase I was performed on this site in 2014. Phase II work will be needed.
 Former Dixie Cup Factory, Wilson PA: This is a 600,000-square-foot building with an
adjacent parking lot. The building has been vacant for decades and is considered a blighted
property. The building received KOZ designation from the Pennsylvania Department of
Community and Economic Development in 2013.
A full time redevelopment specialist manages LVLRI. Daily activities of LVLRI are devoted
to project management, prospect visits, community outreach, and environmental education.
LVLRI works with an Advisory Committee comprised of representatives from various
brownfields stakeholder groups including EPA and DEP staff, county and municipal officials,
economic development organizations, and community-based organizations, as well as
professionals from the environmental, lending, utilities, real estate, and legal sectors. The
Advisory Committee ensures direct community input into the program’s decision-making
processes that are essential to the success of the initiative. The LVLRI Advisory Committee
plays an active role in the contractor-selection RFP process, ensuring community based input.
LVEDC considers the participation of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises
favorably in these processes. Once identified, the selected contractor completes an overall
Quality Assurance Project Plan for work to be completed under the Grant and then completes
subsequent scope and budget proposals for individual project assignments. Phase I and II
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LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
estimates, plans, reports, and budgets are reviewed by LVEDC staff, PA DEP, and the EPA
Project Manager to ensure all programmatic, state and federal requirements are being met.
2.a.ii. Project Timing: Phase I and II environmental assessment and Site Cleanup Planning
work funded by LVEDC through EPA grant money is completed by qualified environmental
professionals who are competitively selected via public Request for Proposals (RFP) processes at
the outset of each EPA grant. Following the awarding of grant funding, the RFP process is
expected to take 6 weeks with contracted work beginning immediately following award. LVEDC
will use these assessments and plans to better market our brownfield priorities and to actively
redevelop those sites. Over the course of the 3-year grant period, we estimate that between 30
and 40 assessments will be performed. All Phase I and Phase II assessments will be performed
by environmental professionals who are contractually obligated to work with the most current
version of ASTM standards. Site Cleanup plans generated through this grant will enable the
proper remediation of sites and facilitate ACT 2 designation for all eligible projects. Site
Cleanup Plans are reviewed by PA DEP and EPA and comments from those organizations are
incorporated into the final drafts.
2.a.iii. Site Selection: One of the primary roles of the LVLRI Advisory Committee is to help
prioritize potential redevelopment projects to receive support through the program. Each
potential project is evaluated by:
 The potential to improve or protect human health and the environment;
 Whether the plan meets local and regional land use planning goals;
 The level of local community support for the project;
 The level of municipal support;
 The likelihood of successful redevelopment;
 The potential benefits of the project to the community (job creation, increased tax revenues,
amount of public park or greenspace to be created, etc.),
 Whether the project will promote sustainable development through energy efficiency and/or
alternative energy use.
Projects to be evaluated are generated though meetings with the planning departments and
community and economic development departments of Lehigh & Northampton County, and the
cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. Project viability is secured through our siteselection form that includes the following requirements: a sales agreement, appropriate zoning,
secured finances, and municipal support. LVEDC works with its network of partners to secure
proper and legal access to our projects. LVEDC employs both a site-access form and an owneraccess agreement to facilitate the most efficient and proper site entry possible.
2.b. Task Description and Budget Table
2.b.i. Task Description: A brief description of the activities LVEDC will complete with this
Coalition Assessment Grant follows:
Task 1: Community Outreach
a. Description: Educational programming related to brownfield redevelopment is a priority
of the LVEDC strategic plan. LVEDC will hold workshops on the following redevelopment
topics as part of the work plan for this grant: coalition building, available redevelopment
resources, grant writing, and urban revitalization. The targeted audience for these events will be
local developers, municipal leaders, and community representatives.
b. Contractual Costs: Any costs associated with this task will be covered by LVEDC.
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LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
c.
Personnel Costs: Any personnel costs associated with this task will be covered by
LVEDC.
Task 2: Phase I Environmental Site Assessments
a. Description: 16 Phase I environmental site assessments (ESA) will be performed by an
RFQ selected contractor. All Phase I ESAs will be completed in compliance with the All
Appropriate Inquiries Final Rule at 40 CFR Part 312 and current ASTM standards and guidelines
(presently ASTM E1527-13). A draft Phase I ESA will be issued to EPA and the Pennsylvania
Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) for review before final issuance.
b. Contractual Costs: Phase I ESAs are estimated to cost $3,000 each, consistent with prior
experience, during this grant period for a total of $48,000.
c. Personnel Costs: Project management of Phase I ESA activity is estimated to require 312
hours. LVEDC staff wage expense is $45,000 per year and LVEDC will cover tax and benefits
associated with this dedicated staff position. Total annual staff expense is expected to be $2,250,
for a total of $6,750 over the life of the grant.
Task 3: Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
a. Description: 15 Phase II environmental site assessments (ESA) will be performed by an
RFQ selected contractor. All Phase II ESAs will be completed in compliance with EPA and
PADEP guidelines and will incorporate a Sampling and Analysis plan. The Sampling and
Analysis Plan (SAP) will be submitted to EPA and PADEP for review prior to implementation
and following completion.
b. Contractual Costs: Phase II ESAs are estimated to cost $20,000 each, consistent with
prior experience, during this grant period for a total of $300,000.
c. Contractual Costs: Project management of Phase II ESA activity is estimated to require
312 hours, consistent with prior experience. LVEDC staff wage expense is $45,000 per year and
LVEDC will cover tax and benefits associated with this dedicated staff position. Total annual
staff expense is expected to be $2,250, for a total of $6,750 over the life of the grant.
Task 4: Site Cleanup Plans
a. Description: 15 Site Cleanup Plans (SCP) performed during this grant period will be
generated from the results of Phase II Environmental Site Assessments. SCP will outline the
steps needed for site-specific remediation of identified environmental contamination. SCP will
be submitted to EPA and PADEP for review prior to implementation.
b. Contractual Costs: Site Cleanup Plans are estimated to cost $15,000 each, consistent with
prior experience, during this grant period for a total of $225,000
c. Personnel Costs: Project management of Site Clean Up activity is estimated to require
624 hours, consistent with prior experience. LVEDC staff wage expense is $45,000 per year and
LVEDC will cover tax and benefits associated with this dedicated staff position. Total annual
staff expense is expected to be $4,500, for a total of $13,500 over the life of the grant.
2.b.ii. Budget Table: Table 3. EPA Grant Budget
Budget
Community Phase I
Phase II
Site Cleanup
Total
Category
Outreach
Assessment Assessment Plans
$0
$6,750
$6,750
$13,500
$27,000
Personnel
$0
$0
$0
$0
Fringe Benefits $0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Travel
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LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
Equipment
Supplies
Contractual
Other
Total
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
$48,000
$0
$54,750
$0
$0
$300,000
$0
$306,750
$0
$0
$225,000
$0
$238,500
$0
$0
$573,000
$0
$600,000
2.c Ability to Leverage
Since 2000, LVEDC has leveraged $50,000/year each from Lehigh and Northampton
Counties to support LVEDC’s redevelopment effort. LVEDC leverages expertise in areas
represented by volunteers on the Advisory Committee including: legal, environmental
engineering, civil engineering, financial, and commercial real estate professionals. With 15
professional committee members devoting 1.5 hours at the monthly LVLRI Advisory Committee
meeting, approximately 270 hours of in-kind professional services are accrued annually. At a
conservative rate of $75/hour, this results in over $20,000 in volunteered professional services
leveraged by the program each year. In addition to EPA funds, LVEDC leverages funding
through Pennsylvania DEP and the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic
Development (DCED). These relationships have created many success stories for all parties
involved. For projects that have renewable energy components, LVEDC promotes the use of
grant and loan programs available through the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Two working
examples of the leveraging ability of LVEDC:
 Former Simon Silk Mill. Easton, PA. LVEDC provided a Phase I and II ESAs for the
site using an EPA Assessment Grant for this textile mill redevelopment project in Easton. These
funds helped leverage a $477,000 EPA RLF loan and subgrant from Northampton County; funds
from the Northampton County General Purpose Authority ($15,000 - grant); Northampton County
Industrial Development Authority ($250,000 – loan and $11,200 - grant); PA-Industrial Sites
Reuse Program ($1,000,000 - grant); PA- Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RCAP)
($3,579,297 - grant); LVEDC Marketing Grant ($15,000 – grant); State Funds ($115,000 – grant);
Preserve America ($150,000 – grant); and Pennsylvania Historic Museum Commission ($25,000
–grant).
 Slate Belt YMCA: LVEDC provided a Phase I assessment, procured a Targeted
Brownfields Assessment for Phase II, and provided clean-up planning. These funds helped
leverage a land grant of $750,000, $1,000,000 of RCAP funding which was matched in full by the
Green Knight Economic Development Corporation, and a $400,000 from the Pennsylvania
Finance Commission.
3. Community Engagement and Partnerships
3.a. Plan for Involving Targeted Community and Other Stakeholders; and
Communicating Project Progress
3.a.i. Community Involvement Plan: Analysis of every project is performed by The LVLRI
Advisory Committee, giving members a chance to review the merits of the project with regard to
the project potentially receiving EPA funding. One of the threshold criteria in the committee's
review process is the demonstration of local community support for the project. LVEDC
interviews the municipality and targeted community groups to gauge if the project is supported
on the neighborhood level. Once all factors are evaluated, the Committee determines whether a
project should receive support through EPA Assessment Grant funds.
Targeted communities are reached through local informational events about the LVEDC
redevelopment program. The region’s Hispanic population, particularly prominent in many areas
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LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
of our targeted communities where brownfields are having a significant impact, is made aware of
the opportunities to participate in the program through LVEDC announcements in English and
Spanish. LVEDC will promote the progress of the program through social media, the LVEDC
newsletter, and LVEDC annual reports.
The Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV), a non-profit
organization providing financial and community development services in the economically
distressed communities of the Lehigh Valley, plays a major role in engaging neighborhoods in
the three cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. CACLV’s work is focused in the census
tract of our targeted community. CACLV is committed to assist LVEDC in hosting and
promoting community meetings as needed. If a grant is awarded to LVEDC, there will then be a
period for targeted community input on the Work Plan, as required. The targeted community will
have access to comment on the draft Work Plan through LVEDC's website. LVEDC will widely
publicize public opportunity to review the draft Work Plan through notifications in the local
newspaper of record and in local Spanish-language media. Public comments will be incorporated
into the Work Plan for the grant. In addition to engagement with the targeted community,
LVEDC will host resource workshops for the key stakeholders in the local business and lending
community regarding environmental due diligence and brownfield development.
The Voluntary Cleanup Plan (VCP) in Pennsylvania (“Act 2”) also requires extensive public
involvement. Public meetings, zoning and planning approvals are means of satisfying the Act 2.
LVEDC requires that projects receiving LVEDC’s support enter Act 2, further ensuring that
impacted communities will be able to participate in the cleanup and land use decisions on
LVEDC projects.
3.a.ii. Communicating Progress: Once a project is selected for EPA funding support,
LVEDC maintains connectivity with the impacted community through direct communications
with LVEDC staff and the LVEDC website. Projects are highlighted on the website through
success stories as well as press releases to local media outlets. Redevelopment projects funded
by this grant will be covered in the LVEDC newsletter. Lastly, there will be two major events
held each year of the grant cycle that will highlight the redevelopment efforts funded by the grant
on a regional level.
3.b. Partnerships with Government Agencies
3.b.i. Local/State/Tribal Environmental Authourity: By leveraging strong institutional
relationships, LVEDC will directly contact staff and officials from each of the 62 municipalities
of the region and attend municipal and community-group meetings as appropriate to discuss the
opportunities through EPA funding. Lehigh and Northampton Counties and the Cities of
Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton are members of this Coalition application and are members of
the LVLRI Advisory Committee. Their respective Departments of Community and Economic
Development will work closely with LVEDC on the brownfields redevelopment program.
Local municipalities will be given opportunities to be involved in the development of the
grant Work Plan. LVEDC will hold a local government event, through their Local Government
Council, to instruct all 62 municipalities on program resources. As part of the work plan for this
grant, LVEDC will form new partnerships with local health agencies and the public health
departments of the major Lehigh Valley hospitals. This effort will help LVEDC continuing its
endeavor to help the most sensitive populations in the urban core regions of our targeted
community that, without the help of this coalition application do not have the staff capacity to
address the brownfield issues in their communities.
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LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
3.b.ii. Other Relevant Government Partnerships: The strong working relationship that
LVEDC maintains with PA DEP has been instrumental in the success of the brownfield program.
PADEP has recognized LVEDC's successful brownfield program through “Brownfield Action
Team” designation of some of LVEDC's most significant projects. LVEDC maintains an
ongoing and open dialogue with representatives of PADEP as well as the Pennsylvania
Department of Community and Economic Development (PADCED). PADEP has identified a
single point of contact for all of LVEDC's projects in order to facilitate the review and approval
process. This has significantly reduced the time required to move redevelopment projects
through the regulatory review process. LVEDC works in tandem with the Allentown Economic
Development Corporation, the Easton Redevelopment Authority, the Whitehall Commercial and
Industrial Development Authority, and the Slate Belt based Green Knights Economic
Development Corporation.
3.c. Partnerships with Community Organizations
3.c.i. Community Organization Description & Role: LVEDC partners with various
community based groups to ensure the sustainability and success of cleanup projects. These
groups also serve on the LVLRI Advisory Committee and work to ensure that cleanup and
redevelopment plans are sensitive to the natural surroundings, as well as to the sensitive
populations who often live in the surrounding neighborhood. Representation by these groups
ensures that the major social and environmental issues plaguing our sensitive populations are
directly addressed:
 Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley (CACLV): The mission of the
Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley is to improve the quality of life in the
Lehigh Valley by building a community in which all people have access to economic
opportunities, the ability to pursue those opportunities, and a voice in the decisions that affect
their lives.
 Role in LVEDC Coalition: CACLV is the foremost nonprofit organization providing
financial and community development services in the economically distressed communities of
the Lehigh Valley. This large nonprofit has three main offices. They have an office in downtown
Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton. They fill the role of community organizer for many
neighborhoods. Through this partnership, LVEDC ensures that assistance is provided to
distressed neighborhoods and that cleanup planning that occurs in those neighborhoods is vetted
by the residents.
 Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation: The mission of The
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation is improving every "main street" in
the Lehigh Valley through targeted investments in façade improvements, streetscape designs,
sidewalk beautification, and other enhancements to the physical appearance of local business
districts. Role in LVEDC Coalition: The "Chamber Foundation" is active in 12 "main street"
downtown communities in the Lehigh Valley. By partnering with LVEDC, it will be able to gain
insight into these communities and have a conduit to the neighborhoods where brownfields exist.
 Wildlands Conservancy: The mission of the Wildlands Conservancy is to “Protect and
restore critical natural areas and waterways, and educate the community to create a legacy of a
healthy, sustainable, environment for future generations.
 Role in LVEDC Coalition: As an active LVLRI committee member, the Wildlands
Conservancy will help provide analysis and perspective on project selection, sustainable reuse,
and environmental justice issues related to the sensitive populations of the Lehigh Valley.
10
LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
3.c.ii. Letters of Commitment: Included in this grant application are letters of commitment
from Lehigh & Northampton Counties, the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton,
Wildlands Conservancy, Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley, The Greater
Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Easton Development Partnership. Each
letter indicates that the organization or municipality will de dedicating a staff member to service
on the LVLRI Advisory Committee for a 60 hour annual average for the duration of the grant
period. As the attached letters indicate, each supporting organization has a key specific role on
the LVLRI Advisory Committee. These specific areas of expertise will enable LVLRI to address
as aspects of brownfield redevelopment as they relate to the sensitive populations addressed
throughout this grant application.
4. Project Benefits
4.a. Health and/or Welfare Environment
4.a.i. Health and/or Welfare Benefits: The direct benefits of this grant’s workplan will be a
reduction in threats to human health and the environment and long-term improvements to
environmental quality of the Lehigh Valley. The legacy of steel foundries in the Lehigh Valley
has left many sites contaminated with heavy metals and arsenic. These contaminants impact the
health of the residents that live adjacent to the site. The redevelopment of brownfields allows
LVEDC to encourage smart growth and development by fostering reuse and infill in throughout
the urban core regions of the Lehigh Valley. This redevelopment will directly lessen potential
contact with contamination in our targeted communities.
4.a.ii. Environmental Benefits: Developing previously used sites promotes the reuse of
existing infrastructure and conserves resources by reducing worker commutes and encouraging
the use of public transportation. By redeveloping the 35-brownfield sites that are currently able
to be rail served and 25 sites that are within one mile of Lehigh and Northampton Transportation
Authority stops, there will be a reduction on the dependence on car travel resulting in better air
quality, reduced rates of allergies and mesothelioma, reduction in greenhouse gases and
dependency of fossil fuels.
Our targeted community will directly benefit from the assessments outlined in the proposed
workplan as the remediation of urban core contamination, blight removal, and redevelopment of
existing properties will create jobs, directly improve ambient health, and create psychological
benefits. LVEDC expects that measurable outputs will be reflected in quarterly reporting within
one year of the awarding of this grant.
4.b. Environmental Benefits from Infrastructure Reuse/Sustainable Reuse
4.b.i. Planning, Policies, Other Tools: This Coalition Assessment Grant will enable
LVEDC to revitalize brownfields in more locations in the Lehigh Valley and preserve
greenspace by capitalizing on existing infrastructure. This Grant will help facilitate infrastructure
reuse by directing development to sites that are already served by public water and sewer. 75%
of the sites in LVEDC’s brownfields inventory are in towns or boroughs. By facilitating
redevelopment of these previously developed sites LVEDC will reduce the need for new road
construction and new water/sewer lines by fostering the rehabilitation and reuse of existing
roadways and utilities infrastructure.
Cleanup planning completed using EPA Assessment Grant funds strongly supports
environmentally sustainable practices. LVEDC has supported remediation at sites where
deconstruction materials are used as clean fill and kept on site. This eliminates the additional
greenhouse gas emissions caused by trucking the materials of site to a landfill. LVEDC also
facilitates recycling and reuse of other demolition debris where appropriate. The redevelopment
11
LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
of the Bethlehem Steel Site in Bethlehem received prior assessment support through LVEDC and
this project has become an EPA Sustainability Pilot for recycling of demolition debris and
construction waste. LVEDC encourages the use of renewable energy sources as part of
redevelopment projects where applicable. Ultimately, these sustainable development practices
can further enhance the long-term positive environmental impact to the community stemming
from the brownfield redevelopment project, long after the project itself has been completed.
LVEDC has worked on many sustainable redevelopment projects, including:
 Weller Center, Easton PA: A vacant 20,000-square-foot building located at the
epicenter of downtown Easton has now been repurposed as a year-round farmers market
providing access to fresh food in a former food desert. LVEDC used EPA Assessment funds to
provide the Phase I that was needed for this development to occur.
 South Bethlehem Greenway, Bethlehem PA: This former Norfolk Southern Railroad
right of way cuts diagonally across the Southside neighborhood of Bethlehem. In 2006, the city
began the process of turning this into a pedestrian/bike greenway through the neighborhood. In
2008 LVEDC provided a Phase II ESA for the site using an EPA Assessment Grant. Since then
the city has secured other funds such as: Transportation Enhancement funds ($2,400,000)
through PA Department of Transportation and $550,000 from the PA Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources. The city is matching a significant portion of these funds
with capital dollars. This is estimated to be a $5 million project when completed. It is a critical
piece to the continued revitalization of Bethlehem and a great alternative transportation project.
4.b.ii. Integrating Equitable Development or Livability Principals: LVEDC has a strong
track record of incorporating sustainability in regional planning efforts and economic
development programs. As one of HUD’s FY2011 Sustainable Communities Regional Planning
Grantees, LVEDC worked to provide more transportation choices, promote equitable affordable
housing, enhance economic competitiveness, support existing communities, coordinate and
leverage federal policies and investment, and value communities and neighborhoods throughout
the region. LVEDC’s land recycling initiative is one of the programs that best exemplifies our
region’s efforts to enhance our community’s sustainability. By continuing our long-standing
successful partnership with EPA through the Brownfields program, we will enhance regional
efforts toward developing a more equitable, stable, and environmentally sustainable community.
In the City of Allentown, LVEDC has undertaken the effort to integrate equitable
development and livability principals for the cleanup and revitalization of the brownfields in the
Lehigh River waterfront corridor. LVEDC assisted the City of Allentown with a series of public
meetings that directly engaged the environmental justice designated community that surround
these brownfields. LVEDC directly assisted with planning activities associated with two of the
major brownfield properties in this redevelopment effort, the former Lehigh Structural Steel site
and the former Neuweiler Brewery. Development plans for these sites include green roofs,
capping of contaminated soils, the utilization of vacant parcels, improved access to the Lehigh
River, and retaining the current residents of the affected area. With the 2010 Hazardous
Assessment Grant funding Phase I, II and cleanup planning at the site, LVEDC successfully
applied and received a PA DEP Growing Greener + Grant to pay for this work. As part of the
workplan of a new grant, LVEDC will continue to support these critical projects that are true
highlights of social and environmental justice with further assessment work.
4.c. Economic and Community Benefits
4.c.i. Economic or Non-Economic Benefits: Redeveloping brownfields will reverse a 40
year trend in the Lehigh Valley, where new businesses have moved to the area often build new
12
LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
facilities on greenfields disconnected from the labor force living in the city and from public
transportation routes. New job opportunities, generated through brownfield redevelopment, will
be created in the Lehigh Valley urban cores where high poverty rates define our targeted
community. Leveraging private investment in a brownfield property results in an increase to the
assessed value and therefore an increase of local municipal and school tax revenue. As the urban
cores of the Lehigh Valley deteriorated, municipal tax revenues and funding for urban schools
declined. Critical to the success of our urban communities and school districts is new
development on brownfields sites. Redeveloping brownfields sites not only increases tax revenue
generated by that site, but also surrounding properties experience an increase in value as the
community begins revitalizing.
The impact of brownfield redevelopment in urban communities is seen at the Bridgeworks
Industrial Building in Allentown. This former Mack Truck property is a brownfields site that was
redeveloped with the assistance of LVEDC. Prior to its redevelopment this property generated
only $6,188 annually in tax revenue for the city, county and school district. After the cleanup and
construction of new industrial flex space at the site, the site now generates $98,639 in property
tax revenue annually. This is a concrete example of the tremendous impact that redeveloping
brownfields can have on local economic conditions. This building is home to one of the region’s
most successful maker spaces & incubation facilities. Since 2008, LVEDC has made a direct
investment of $1.4 million into the brownfield redevelopment program. That direct investment
has allowed for a total of $400 million of private resource leveraging. In total, LVEDC has
assisted 42 projects, remediated 310 acres, and created 3,400 jobs with our brownfield
redevelopment program.
4.c.ii. Job Creation Potential: Partnerships with Workforce Development Programs:
LVEDC is engaged with local Workforce Investment Board to ensure employment opportunities
that come out of brownfields efforts are promoted through the local Workforce Investment Board
and the PA Job Gate website. In addition, LVEDC with is leading an effort to develop a STEM
workforce development program. It will encourage students in the targeted communities to
pursue science and engineering careers. The Workforce Investment Board has provided a letter
of support for this grant application and will be joining the LVLRI Advisory Committee upon
award of this grant.
5. Programmatic Capability and Past Performance
5.a. Programmatic Capability: LVEDC has administered the Lehigh Valley Land Recycling
Initiative (LVLRI) program in the Lehigh Valley for the past 16 years. LVLRI has full time staff
dedicated to project management on EPA Assessment Grants. LVEDC has served as the regional
economic development organization for 20 years and has significant experience with human
resources, employee succession, and professional recruitment should staffing need to change
during the course of the grant. LVLRI is guided by an Advisory Committee of nearly two dozen
highly qualified professionals in various brownfield-related disciplines. The committee ensures
ongoing leadership through changes in county or city administrations and staffing.
If awarded, an EPA Coalition Assessment Grant a Request for Qualifications will be drafted
to identify an environmental engineering firm to perform all assessment work to be done under
the grant. This RFQ will go through competitive bidding that includes: public review of RFQ, a
specialized ad-hoc committee for selection process, and finally a phased selection process that
includes short listing of finalists and interviews. Quarterly reports will be submitted on time and
without error and ACRES will be actively updated with new project data as it is received. In
addition, LVEDC routinely updates their EPA project officer and their key partners at PA DEP
13
LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
and on their Advisory Committee. If awarded a new grant, this diligent reporting practice will
continue. Through management and active reporting, LVEDC anticipates that the funding
awarded through this grant will be expended within three years.
5.b. Audit Findings: LVEDC 2012 Single Audit had one finding. This finding is related to a
2011 Department of Housing and Urban Development, Sustainable Communities Regional
Planning Grant 14.703 that was for $3,400,000. In 2012 this grant program demonstrated
$242,602 in matching funds As a result of identifying questioned matching costs of $8,266
through testing, there are likely questioned matching costs of greater than $10,000, reported as a
finding. Matching costs reported to HUD were not eligible because they were incurred prior to
the start of the grant period or were not supported by appropriate documentation. A sample of
actual and matching costs reported by LVEDC and subrecipients was tested for compliance with
time and purpose requirements. The test found one error in matching costs claimed by LVEDC
and 3 errors in matching costs claimed by subrecipients. The likely Questioned Costs were
$14,106. Procedures are in place for review of support for matching costs. Three levels of
LVEDC staff will review all matching costs claims processed since the beginning of the grant for
appropriate support and follow up on any documentation that may be missing. Supervisory
review will include an examination of the detail of significant matching cost claims approved by
grant personnel and by the supervisor. In addition, LVEDC staff did communicate in one on one
meetings specific requirements for documentation to all subrecipients. LVEDC agrees with the
finding and the auditor’s recommendations have been adopted. The LVEDC 2013 Single Audit
had no findings.
5.c. Past performance and Accomplishments
5.c.i. Currently or Ever Received an EPA Brownfields Grant: LVEDC is the sole local or
regional organization in the Lehigh Valley with an initiative focused specifically on brownfield
redevelopment. LVEDC serves as the region's single point of contact for financing Phase I and II
assessments, marketing brownfields, assisting owners through Pennsylvania's Voluntary Cleanup
Program, and conducting redevelopment outreach. LVEDC has administered six prior
Cooperative Agreements with EPA for grants through the Brownfields Program. What follows is
an analysis of our recent grant history:
 2005 EPA Brownfields Assessment grant for Hazardous Substances: closed 12/08
Compliance: The total grant amount, $200,000, was expended in compliance with the approved
work plan. Grant money was expended on site assessments, brownfield inventory, and educational
programming. All quarterly reports and MBE/WBE's were filed on time. Property Profile Reports
on each project were filed 2-3 times per year. FSR and FCT forms were filed in a timely manner.
All outcomes and outputs from this grant, according to the approved workplan, were met and
reviewed by EPA.
Accomplishments: LVLRI supported five key redevelopment projects. These include a former
railway bed that was purchased by the city and is being converted to a greenway, a former coal
ash landfill, a 30-acre structural steel foundry along the Lehigh River, an etching facility that is
now home to a small manufacturer, and the redevelopment of a large urban core retail space.
 2005 EPA Brownfields Assessment grant for Petroleum Products: closed 2010.
Compliance: The total grant amount, $200,000, was expended in compliance with the approved
work plan. LVEDC was able to use these funds for five projects. All quarterly reports and
MBE/WBE's were filed on time. Property Profile Reports on each project were filed 2-3 times per
year. FSR and FCT forms were filed in a timely manner. All outcomes and outputs from this grant
were met and reviewed by EPA.
14
LVEDC 2015 EPA Assessment Grant Application
Accomplishments: Assessment and subsequent cleanup was accomplished at five sites.
These include: a former auto garage now owned by municipal parking authority, a former silk mill
boiler complex, a non-profit social club in the heart of a downtown, and a former trolley garage
along the Lehigh River. Currently, LVEDC is working with the City of Easton to address three
UST's that were found during a sidewalk streetscape improvement project.
 2007 EPA Brownfields Assessment grant for Hazardous Substances: closed 2009
Compliance: The entire $200,000 of this grant has been spent. 11 site assessments were performed.
All quarterly reports and MBEIWBE's were filed on time. Property Profile Reports on each project
were filed 2-3 times per year. FSR and FCT forms were filed in a timely manner. All outcomes
and outputs from this grant were met and reviewed by EPA.
Accomplishments: This grant was used for Phase I ESA for small projects like the reuse of a
historic building for a nonprofit early education center and Head Start classrooms. It was also used
to facilitate the redevelopment of a large industrial property that enable a new business to move
into the property and the established business to expand, creating and retaining over 100 jobs in
the midst of an economic recession. Phase I and II ESA were performed on a former orchard that
lead to 16 acres of greenspace expanding an existing park.
 2008 EPA Brownfields Assessment grant for Hazardous Substances: closed 2011.
Compliance: The entire $200,000 of this grant was spent. 15 site assessments were performed. All
quarterly reports and MBE/WBE's were filed on time. Property Profile Reports on each project
were filed 2-3 times per year. FSR and FCT forms were filed in a timely manner. All outcomes
and outputs from this grant were met and reviewed by EPA.
Accomplishments: Four small sites were assessed that are part of a comprehensive trail project
along the Bushkill Creek. This site is now a trail and an urban core connection from downtown
Easton to West Easton.
 2010 EPA Brownfields Coalition Assessment grant for Hazardous Substances:
Compliance: This cooperative agreement is successfully being managed and will close in March
2014. All quarterly reports and MBE/WBE's are filed on time. ACRES is updated on each project
monthly. FSR and FCT forms are filed in a timely manner. All outcomes and outputs from this
grant are met and reviewed by EPA.
Accomplishments: This grant has allowed LVEDC to assist 42 different sites, remediate 310 acres,
and create 3400 jobs. The sites range from small to large, urban to exurban and suburban. LVEDC
accomplished a redevelopment planning study at a former brewery that leveraged state dollars and
is crucial to marketing the property.
15
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ATTACHMENT(A(
THRESHOLD(DOCUMENTATION:(
1.(Eligibility(Documents(
2.(Coalition(Member(Letters(
December 3, 2014
Andrew Kleiner
Land Recycling Director
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
2158 Ave. C, Suite 200
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Dear Mr. Kleiner:
The Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) is pleased to offer its support for the
Lehigh Valley Land Recycling Initiative (LVLRI) coalition's application for grant funding to
provide environmental assessment and cleanup planning for old and abandoned industrial
properties in the greater Lehigh Valley region. We understand this grant will aid tremendously
the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate brownfield properties, revitalize urban corridors, and promote
smart & sustainable growth.
The Greater Easton Development Partnership, a volunteer driven non-profit organization,
promotes economic development in the City of Easton by administering multiple programs
aimed at supporting and attracting businesses, developing real estate, providing hospitality,
cleaning and beautifying the streetscape, marketing Easton and fostering and maintaining
relationships with business organizations and City government. GEDP administers the Easton
Main Street Initiative, Easton Farmers’ Market, Easton Ambassadors, and Easton Public Market
programs with the overarching principles of smart growth, sustainability (both financial and
environmental), and historic preservation. In all aspects, GEDP operates with sensitivity to the
creative and unique nature of Easton’s burgeoning artistic community and food-centric culture.
As a partner organization with LVLRI, GEDP is committed to providing input and analysis that
is in line with the mission statement and vision of the Greater Easton Development Partnership.
Thank you,
Jared Mast
Interim Executive Director
325 Northampton St., Easton, PA 18042
www.eastonpartnership.org
December 16, 2014
Mr. Andrew Kleiner
Land Recycling Director
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
2158 Avenue C, Suite 200
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Re: EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant - LVEDC
Dear Mr. Kleiner:
The Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (LVWIB) is pleased to be a partner of the Lehigh
Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) on their application for an EPA Brownfield Coalition
Assessment Grant.
The LVWIB’s mission is to ensure an employer demand-driven world-class workforce system aligned with
economic development, education and the community focusing on targeted industry clusters. LVEDC’s work
through the Lehigh Valley Land Recycling Initiative (LVLRI) to redevelop brownfields, especially in urban
areas, is a key component to creating employment opportunities for the Lehigh Valley. This redevelopment
effort will assist the LVWIB in generating the environment necessary across the region to achieve their mission.
The LVWIB will join the LVLRI Advisory Board to analyze potential projects and assist with strategic program
direction so that the efforts of this redevelopment initiative will align where possible, with the mission, vision,
and goals of the LVWIB.
Sincerely,
Nancy Dischinat
Executive Director
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ATTACHMENT!B:!
LETTER!FROM!STATE!OR!TRIBAL!
ENVIRONMENTAL!AUTHORITY!
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ATTACHMENT!C:!
COMMUNITY!BASED!ORGANIZATIONS!–!
LETTERS!OF!COMMITMENT!
December 1, 2014
Andrew Kleiner
Land Recycling Director
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
2158 Ave. C, Suite 200
Bethlehem, PA 18017
Dear Mr. Kleiner:
It is with pleasure that I extend the support of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
(GLVCC) to your EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant proposal. The GLVCC works within the Lehigh
Valley region as a community-based organization. Our mission is to improve the economy and quality
of life within the Valley. Accordingly, we are greatly invested in the Valley as an engaged community
organization that is committed to improving the central business districts in our area. We have also
recently launched the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The mission of this
Foundation is to raise money to be reinvested into the urban cores of the Lehigh Valley.
The Chamber is active on a variety of urban revitalization fronts in the Lehigh Valley. We currently
have staff in the Valley's three major cities and over twenty of its Borough's and Townships. We also
partner and operate numerous Main Street programs that are designed to revitalize our various urban
commercial corridors.
In this capacity, we fully understand the importance of supporting LVEDC to further the
redevelopment of the brownfields and former quarries in our service area. We support LVEDC's
Coalition Application for an Assessment Grant through the EPA Brownfields office. Our organization
has worked extensively with LVEDC and is proud to be a partner in outreach and community
engagement with the LVEDC and the LVLRI. Working together, the Chamber, Chamber Foundation,
LVEDC and LVLRI form an outstanding partnership for community growth. The Chamber Foundation
will continue to serve as an economic revitalization engine for the small towns of the Valley, and we
will continue to link the LVLRI to Main Street Economic Restructuring committees for redevelopment
planning and to review of cleanup plans.
We trust that those who review LVEDC's application will see the benefit that funding this grant
proposal will be of great benefit to our Lehigh Valley.
Sincerely,
Frank V. Facchiano
Chief Operating Officer & EVP Member Relations
THE GREATER LEHIGH VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
OFFICES IN ALLENTOWN, BETHLEHEM, EASTON, EMMAUS, LEHIGHTON, NAZARETH & PHILLIPSBURG
Located at 840 Hamilton Street, Suite 205, Allentown, 18101 | One East Broad Street, Suite 560, Bethlehem, 18018
158 A Northampton Street, Easton, 18042 | 191 Main Street, Suite 101, Emmaus, PA 18049 | 137 South Street, Lehighton, PA 18235
18 S. Main Street, Nazareth, 18064 | 314 S. Main Street, Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 | CareerLink Building, 555 Union Boulevard, Allentown, PA 18109
www.lehighvalleychamber.org
MAIN PHONE: 610-841-5800
MAIN FAX: 610-437-4907
OMB Number: 4040-0004
Expiration Date: 8/31/2016
Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
* 1. Type of Submission:
* 2. Type of Application:
Preapplication
New
Application
Continuation
Changed/Corrected Application
Revision
* 3. Date Received:
* If Revision, select appropriate letter(s):
* Other (Specify):
4. Applicant Identifier:
12/19/2014
5a. Federal Entity Identifier:
5b. Federal Award Identifier:
State Use Only:
6. Date Received by State:
7. State Application Identifier:
8. APPLICANT INFORMATION:
* a. Legal Name:
Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation
* b. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN):
* c. Organizational DUNS:
23-2798276
0068810490000
d. Address:
* Street1:
2158 Avenue C, Suite 200
Street2:
* City:
Bethlehem
County/Parish:
* State:
PA: Pennsylvania
Province:
* Country:
USA: UNITED STATES
* Zip / Postal Code:
18017-2148
e. Organizational Unit:
Department Name:
Division Name:
LVLRI
LVLRI
f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application:
Prefix:
* First Name:
Andrew
Middle Name:
* Last Name:
Kleiner
Suffix:
Title: Redevelopment Specialist
Organizational Affiliation:
* Telephone Number: 610-266-7619
Fax Number:
* Email: [email protected]
!"#$$%&$%
Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
* 9. Type of Applicant 1: Select Applicant Type:
E: Regional Organization
Type of Applicant 2: Select Applicant Type:
M: Nonprofit with 501C3 IRS Status (Other than Institution of Higher Education)
Type of Applicant 3: Select Applicant Type:
X: Other (specify)
* Other (specify):
Inter-municipal Organization
* 10. Name of Federal Agency:
Environmental Protection Agency
11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:
66.818
CFDA Title:
Brownfields Assessment and Cleanup Cooperative Agreements
* 12. Funding Opportunity Number:
EPA-OSWER-OBLR-14-07
* Title:
FY15 Guidelines for Brownfields Assessment Grants
13. Competition Identification Number:
Title:
14. Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.):
Add Attachment
Delete Attachment
View Attachment
* 15. Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project:
Lehigh Valley Land Recycling Initiative
Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions.
Add Attachments
Delete Attachments
View Attachments
!"#$$%&$%
Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
16. Congressional Districts Of:
* a. Applicant
* b. Program/Project
PA 015
15 & 6
Attach an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts if needed.
Add Attachment
Delete Attachment
View Attachment
17. Proposed Project:
* a. Start Date:
* b. End Date:
08/01/2015
07/31/2017
18. Estimated Funding ($):
* a. Federal
600,000.00
* b. Applicant
0.00
* c. State
0.00
* d. Local
0.00
* e. Other
0.00
* f. Program Income
0.00
* g. TOTAL
600,000.00
* 19. Is Application Subject to Review By State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?
a. This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process for review on
.
b. Program is subject to E.O. 12372 but has not been selected by the State for review.
c. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372.
* 20. Is the Applicant Delinquent On Any Federal Debt? (If "Yes," provide explanation in attachment.)
Yes
No
If "Yes", provide explanation and attach
Add Attachment
Delete Attachment
View Attachment
21. *By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications** and (2) that the statements
herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances** and agree to
comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may
subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001)
** I AGREE
** The list of certifications and assurances, or an internet site where you may obtain this list, is contained in the announcement or agency
specific instructions.
Authorized Representative:
Prefix:
* First Name:
Donald
Middle Name: T
* Last Name:
Cunningham
Suffix:
Jr.
* Title:
President & CEO
* Telephone Number: 610-266-6775
Fax Number:
* Email: [email protected]
* Signature of Authorized Representative:
Andrew Kleiner
* Date Signed:
12/19/2014
!"#$$%&$%
OMB Number: 4040-0006
Expiration Date: 06/30/2014
BUDGET INFORMATION - Non-Construction Programs
SECTION A - BUDGET SUMMARY
Grant Program
Function or
Activity
(a)
1.
Community Outreach
2.
Phase I Assessment
3.
Phase II Assessment
4.
Site Clean Up Plans
5.
Totals
Catalog of Federal
Domestic Assistance
Number
Estimated Unobligated Funds
Federal
(c)
(b)
$
$
New or Revised Budget
Non-Federal
(d)
0.00
$
Federal
(e)
0.00
$
Non-Federal
(f)
0.00
$
Total
(g)
0.00
$
0.00
0.00
0.00
48,000.00
0.00
48,000.00
0.00
0.00
300,000.00
0.00
300,000.00
0.00
0.00
225,000.00
0.00
225,000.00
$
$
573,000.00
$
$
573,000.00
Standard Form 424A (Rev. 7- 97)
Prescribed by OMB (Circular A -102) Page 1
!"#$$%&$%
SECTION B - BUDGET CATEGORIES
6. Object Class Categories
(1)
(2)
Community Outreach
a. Personnel
$
GRANT PROGRAM, FUNCTION OR ACTIVITY
(3)
Phase I Assessment
$
6,750.00
Phase II Assessment
$
6,750.00
Total
(5)
(4)
Site Clean Up Plans
$
13,500.00
$
27,000.00
13,500.00
$
27,000.00
b. Fringe Benefits
c. Travel
d. Equipment
e. Supplies
f. Contractual
g. Construction
h. Other
6,750.00
i. Total Direct Charges (sum of 6a-6h)
6,750.00
$
j. Indirect Charges
k. TOTALS (sum of 6i and 6j)
7. Program Income
$
$
$
$
6,750.00
$
$
Authorized for Local Reproduction
6,750.00
$
$
13,500.00
$
27,000.00
$
Standard Form 424A (Rev. 7- 97)
Prescribed by OMB (Circular A -102) Page 1A
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SECTION C - NON-FEDERAL RESOURCES
(a) Grant Program
8.
Phase I Assessment
9.
Phase II Assessment
10.
Site Clean Up Plans
(b) Applicant
(c) State
(d) Other Sources
(e)TOTALS
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
11.
12. TOTAL (sum of lines 8-11)
SECTION D - FORECASTED CASH NEEDS
Total for 1st Year
13. Federal
$
14. Non-Federal
$
15. TOTAL (sum of lines 13 and 14)
$
1st Quarter
2nd Quarter
3rd Quarter
4th Quarter
200,000.00
$
50,000.00
$
50,000.00
$
50,000.00
$
50,000.00
200,000.00
$
50,000.00
$
50,000.00
$
50,000.00
$
50,000.00
SECTION E - BUDGET ESTIMATES OF FEDERAL FUNDS NEEDED FOR BALANCE OF THE PROJECT
(a) Grant Program
FUTURE FUNDING PERIODS (YEARS)
(d) Third
(b)First
(c) Second
16.
Phase I Assessment
17.
Phase II Assessment
102,250.00
102,250.00
102,250.00
18.
Site Clean Up Plans
79,500.00
79,500.00
79,500.00
$
18,250.00
$
18,250.00
$
18,250.00
(e) Fourth
$
19.
20. TOTAL (sum of lines 16 - 19)
$
200,000.00
$
200,000.00
$
200,000.00
$
SECTION F - OTHER BUDGET INFORMATION
21. Direct Charges:
22. Indirect Charges:
23. Remarks:
Authorized for Local Reproduction
Standard Form 424A (Rev. 7- 97)
Prescribed by OMB (Circular A -102) Page 2
!"#$$%&$%