ECI Team Visits Washington D.C. to Discuss Brownfield Grant Progress

During the week of September 9th-13th, a team from East Central Indiana Regional Planning District (ECIRPD), including Michelle Badders, Brad Bookout, and Bill Walters, traveled to Washington D.C. for an important meeting with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). The focus of the discussion was the current EPA Brownfield Grant, a vital resource for the redevelopment and revitalization of underutilized or contaminated properties in our region.

The ECI team presented a comprehensive overview of past, present, and future projects supported by the grant. These include high-priority sites such as the McKinley Neighborhood, the Former Vogue Cleaners, H&L Plating, the Former McLain Trucking property, and several others. These projects are key to restoring the environmental and economic health of our communities, making a lasting positive impact. For a detailed look at the progress on each of these initiatives, you can explore our projects page here. 

The meeting was a resounding success. Not only did the ECI team receive recognition from the state for their hard work, but they also laid the groundwork for the future of the Brownfield Grant program in the region. In fact, ECIRPD has been invited to participate in a seminar at the National Brownfield Conference in August 2025 in Chicago, where they will share insights into their success. This national recognition underscores the excellence of ECI’s Brownfield program, which has been named the best in the United States.

More updates on the EPA Brownfield Grant and developments from the Environmental Justice League will be available soon. To stay informed on this and other important topics, be sure to follow our social media channels.