Town receives grant funding for Donnkenny remediation

Gov. Abigail Spanberger today announced that eight Virginia localities received $1.59 million in Site Remediation Grants from the Virginia Brownfields Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund (VBAF).

The Town of Floyd is one beneficiary of the funding announced on Feb. 16, receiving a total of $262,500 for "remediation of asbestos-containing material in a former apparel manufacturing building [aka the Donnkenny site, located behind Food Lion], enabling redevelopment into mixed-use projects with commercial and residential development."

VBAF awards allow local governments to restore and redevelop brownfield sites — properties with the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. These Site Remediation Grants for Virginia will cover rehabilitation of contaminated properties to remove hazardous substances and waste, demolition and removal of existing structures, and other site work to bring new economic development to the Commonwealth.

“When the state assists Virginia’s localities in restoring existing properties, we can help attract new business, create more housing, and power regional economic development,” said Spanberger. “Investing in the redevelopment of Virginia’s brownfield sites is paramount to building stronger communities that can attract top talent and significant economic investment. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life.”

Established in 2011 and administered by the Virginia Resources Authority, VBAF is a partnership between the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Since its inception, VBAF has awarded more than 300 grants totaling $23 million to Virginia localities.

Additional VBAF grants awarded include:

• Clarke County ($317,298): Remediation of lead-based paint in a former Department of Corrections building to promote development of the site into an industrial park located five miles from the inland port
• Town of Waynesboro ($250,000): Remediation of lead-based paint and asbestos-containing material at the former General Wayne Hotel to support redevelopment into 38 workforce housing units
• Mecklenburg County ($240,450): Remediation of the former Park View High School supporting redevelopment into a 90-unit residential complex to support local workforce housing needs
• City of Hampton ($207,000): Asbestos-containing material abatement at the former Pembroke High School, allowing for the expansion of the YMCA, including classrooms for teen and adult learning
• Henrico County ($120,000): Asbestos-containing material abatement at the former Best Products Headquarters building as part of the larger Green City mixed use and entertainment development
• Town of New Market ($99,000): Remediation of asbestos-containing material in the town community center, allowing the center to be redeveloped into a mixed-use project featuring apartments developed to address workforce housing
• Town of Buchanan ($94,500): Remediation of contaminated soil at the former Buchanan Schoolhouse property to enable redevelopment into a mixed-use development featuring 12-14 apartments and several commercial spaces.

In addition to the eight Site Remediation Grants, six additional VBAF applicants each received $50,000 in Assessment and Planning Grants from VEDP and DEQ:

• Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission
• Town of Blackstone
• Town of Clifton Forge
• Town of Hillsville
• City of Lexington
• City of Petersburg

“We are proud to have programs like VBAF that not only prepare sites for development but also help remediate environmental challenges,” said VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi. “These efforts position the Commonwealth as a leader in competitive, environmentally responsible sites.”

“Each year, VBAF grants have advanced Virginia’s commitment to environmental restoration by helping communities reduce environmental risks and return Brownfield properties to safe and economically productive uses,” said Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Director Michael S. Rolband. “The continued partnership between DEQ and VEDP ensures that VBAF remains an accessible resource to localities working to remediate Brownfield sites, protect natural resources, and revitalize land in ways that support healthier environments and stronger communities across the Commonwealth.”

For more information on the Virginia Brownfield Restoration and Economic Redevelopment Assistance Fund, visit www.vedp.org/brownfields.