The City has received two grants totaling $400,000 from US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) to assess locally known or perceived Brownfield sites.  

Generally, a Brownfield is a property that is actually contaminated or perceived to be contaminated by either hazardous substance (asbestos, or chemicals) or petroleum products (like abandoned gas stations).   For the most part, these are properties that might be unutilized or underutilized and are generally blighting the community.  For a more technical definition, please visit USEPA website by clicking here.

A representative Brownfield Advisory Committee (BRAC) was formed to help the City through the assessment process. BRAC consists of  Fher-Graham and Associates (Consultant hired to assist with the technical aspects), City of Decatur, Macon County, Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County (EDC), Decatur Area Chamber of Commerce (Chamber), local industries, area realtors, developers, universities and community colleges, local nonprofit organizations, local environmental groups, neighborhood organizations and any organization/individual interested in the betterment of our community and its environment.

The BRAC reviewed several possible brownfields based on the redevelopment potential, known environmental concerns, community value and blight removal.  Due to limited funding, we need your input in prioritizing these sites for assessment. The following 10 general locations have been cited by the BRAC members. Please rank these locations and feel free to add other sites/ general locations not listed here in the comments section. You can give the same ranking to more than one site. Click here to access City's Digital Atlas for the geographical locations. If you have additional questions contact me at vpinnamaraju@decaturil.gov or (217) 424-2778.