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 Current Legislative Activities 
Community and Economic Development

Brownfields
Michigan's brownfield redevelopment program has long been recognized as one of the nation's most successful programs. We have used brownfield redevelopment techniques to restore abandoned, obsolete, and vacant properties to productive uses in communities throughout Michigan. However, based on lessons learned, we need to improve the program in these specific areas:

  • The lack of certainty in project funding,
  • Length of time to move a project through the complex program rules, and
  • The approval process.

SEMCOG participated in the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Part 201 workgroups charged with reviewing and suggesting improvements to the Michigan brownfield program. The final report with recommendations was issued in April 2007. The report identifies a number of regulatory and statutory changes to the program.

SEMCOG’s advocacy efforts have focused on:

  • Program outcomes - The legislature should use a set of agreed-upon outcomes for brownfield redevelopment that will gauge the program's effectiveness and strengthen the program. Outcomes important to SEMCOG’s members are the redevelopment of older areas, efficient infrastructure, and cleanup of the environment.
  • Support for current legislation - SEMCOG supports legislation that improves the current brownfield program. Legislation introduced in the House and Senate are important steps in improving the brownfields program as they address funding and program administration components to brownfield authorities. Additional legislative changes specific to the environmental cleanup process need to be addressed at a future time.
  • Other areas needing attention - There is a need for greater certainty for projects in securing school tax capture under brownfield tax increment financing (TIF). Additionally, identifying a definite funding source is paramount for the brownfield program’s long-term sustainability because the primary funding source for the state’s cleanup program is nearly exhausted.