Brownfields Program

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines brownfields, as real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. The concept of the City of Lake Charles' Brownfields Program began in 1992.
 
The City of Lake Charles has been awarded three types of grants to be utilized for future development opportunities:  $200K Petroleum Assessment, $200K Hazard Assessment, and Revolving Loan Fund Cleanup Grant.  These funds will assist in the redevelopment or re-use of properties with environmental issues.

The City of Lake Charles' Brownfields Program will utilize these funding sources for the redevelopment of eligible sites in the North Lake Charles area, Downtown Development Area, Charpentier Historical District, and along & north of Broad Street.

The goal of the Lake Charles Brownsfields Program is to generate a positive force for the redevelopment of abandoned commercial and industrial properties.
 
Is My Site Eligible?
A site is eligible if it is located within the city of Lake Charles, if the property is abandoned or underutilized, and has real or perceived environmental contamination. Perception of even a minor environmental issue is generally sufficient.   The prospective purchaser/developer must enter the program prior to taking title of the property and not be responsible for the environmental issues.
 
Why Would I Want My Site Included in the Brownfields Program?
Funding is available to pay for environmental assessments, risk assessments, preparation for clean-ups and redevelopment planning.
  • Potential access to municipal incentives for development.
  • Potential access to assistance with development permitting and approvals.
  • Promote the reuse of idle land.
 
How Can I Get Involved?
Contact the City of Lake Charles Brownfields Program located in the Planning Department for consideration by phone (337) 491-1513 or by email at brownfields@cityoflc.us.
 
You Can:
  • Nominate a site in your community as a potential site Brownfields redevelopment.
  • Consider sites for purchase that are identified as potential candidates for redevelopment.
  • Contact the Planning Department for sites that may meet your needs.
  • Contact City of Lake Charles Brownfields for assistance with potential development incentives and/or assistance for your site that is in the process of being developed.

 


News & Notices

  • Brownfields Success Story - 820 Broad Street
    Published: Thursday, March 18, 2010
    Brownfields Brownfields Success Story 2008 Long Idle Property in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Historic District Blossoms Quickly after Brownfields Assessment The property at 820 Broad Street in Lake Charles, Louisiana, was a vacant lot used for parking...
  • Brownfields Petroleum Assessment Grant Fund
    Published: Tuesday, January 22, 2008
    Brownfields Petroleum Assessment Grant Funds Used for Phase II Environmental Site Assessment at Business Construction Site in Charpentier Historic District Funds from the Brownfields Petroleum Assessment Grant were used to assist local developer an...
  • Petroleum Grant Public Notification of Award
    Published: Thursday, September 27, 2007
    RANDY ROACH MAYOR CITY OF LAKE CHARLES PLANNING DEPARTMENT ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT 2007 BROWNFIELDS COMMUNITY-WIDE ASSESSMENT GRANT FOR PETROLEUM AWARD The City of Lake Charles has recently been awarded a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental P...
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