Funds are for cleanup and redevelopment projects

MONTE VISTA – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced May 20 the City of Monte Vista will receive $1 million in Brownfields grant funding to support contaminant cleanup, environmental assessments and redevelopment of critical properties in Monte Vista. 

These investments are part the agency’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs.

“The City of Monte Vista is taking a strategic approach to cleaning up and revitalizing properties along its Main Street Corridor,” said EPA Regional Administrator KC Becker. “EPA is proud to be supporting projects that will protect the health of residents and bring new redevelopment opportunities to the community.”

“In the wealthiest nation in the world, every family should be able to live in a clean environment,” said Senator Michael Bennet. “This funding will rightfully support Colorado communities disproportionately affected by contamination. These grants will help Colorado communities safely clean up polluted sites, protect their health, and rebuild in a way that creates jobs and economic opportunity.”

The city identified Monte Vista City Hall as the project’s first priority cleanup site. The historic building is currently being used by City Government and the Police Department, but formerly functioned as a hospital after being built in 1932. Grant funding at the City Hall site is aimed to address cracked stucco, leaking single-pane windows, lead paint, and floor and ceiling tiles that are likely composed of asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Additionally, impacts from historical heating oil tanks, old x-ray equipment, and other hospital-related historical impacts will also require assessment.

The second priority site identified in the plan is an abandoned building along the Main Street Corridor. The 3,120-square foot commercial property was originally built in in the 1920s and was most recently remodeled and developed into a restaurant.

Unfortunately, because of the extensive costs to revitalize the space, developers have found that it is too cost prohibitive of a project to take on. EPA funding will be used for assessment and cleanup of asbestos containing materials, lead-based paint, and mold for future redevelopment of the building.

"The grant funding will be a catalyst for revitalization and spur redevelopment in our main commercial area,” said Monte Vista Mayor Dale Becker. “We will be thrilled to work with the contractor and our stakeholders to make these properties healthy and usable once again.”   

The City of Monte Vista is among six organizations in Colorado have been selected to receive EPA Brownfields funding through the Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs.