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Brownfields Assess Project EPAMEMORANDUM December 13, 2001 TO: FROM: SUBJECT: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager Proposal to EPA for Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Economic Development Director Bill Baum is recommending that the City apply to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for participation in the Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot program for the Port of Dubuque area. The proposal requests $200,000 for Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments on properties that would be redeveloped by the City. Should the EPA be interested in the proposal, the City would then be invited to submit a formal application. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. Michael C Van Milligen MCVM/jh Attachment cc: Barry Lindahl, Corporation Counsel Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager William J. Baum, Economic Development Director CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA MEMORANDUM TO: FROM: SUBJECT: December 11, 2001 Michael Van Milligen, City Manager William J. Baum, Economic Development Director Proposal to EPA for Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot INTRODUCTION The attached resolution provides for the approval of a proposal to the Environmental Protection Agency for a $200,000 grant under the Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot program. DISCUSSION The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs include a Brownfields Economic Redevelopment Initiative called the Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot program. Under this initiative, grants are available for Phase I and Phase Il environmental assessments on properties that would be redeveloped by the City. The Port of Dubuque (4th Street Peninsula and south Ice Harbor) is under redevelopment. My discussions with EPA in Washington, D.C. concerning the redevelopment of this area were positive, and EPA officials encouraged the City to submit a proposal for the assessment program. The proposal submission is the first step in potential EPA funding. If EPA selects the proposal, the City will be invited to submit a formal application and work plan, leading to a final cooperative agreement. The proposal requests $200,000 from EPA. No local match is required. The proposal was due at EPA's headquarters on December 10, 2001, and has been submitted by this office pending City Council approval. RECOMMENDATION I recommend the City Council review the proposal and approve the submission of the proposal to EPA. ACTION STEP The requested action is for the City Council to adopt the attached resolution authorizing the submission of the proposal to EPA. RESOLUTION NO. 548-01 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE FILING OF A PROPOSAL FOR THE BROWNFIELDS ASSESSMENT DEMONSTRATION PILOT PROGRAM FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS IN THE PORT OF DUBUQUE. Whereas, the City of Dubuque is in the process of redeveloping the Port of Dubuque; and Whereas, certain properties in the Port of Dubuque may be in need of environmental assessment, and cleanup to promote their sustainable reuse; and Whereas, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides grants for environmental assessments under their Brewnfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot program; and Whereas, a proposal for the grant program has been prepared for $200,000 for the Port of Dubuque area and is attached; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: The proposal for the Brownflelds Assessment Demonstration Pilot program is hereby approved and staff is authorized to negotiate with EPA officials in the development of a formal application. Passed, approved, and adopted this 17th day of December, 2001 Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor , Jeanne F. SchNeider, City Clerk F:\USERS\WBaum\RESOLUTION on Brownfields Proposal.doc PORT OF DUBUQUE A Brownfields Redevelopment Project Cover Page 1. Project Title: 2. Location: 3. Population of Pilot Area: Population of the City of Dubuque 4. Applicant identification: 5. Project Director: 6. Mailing address: 7. Telephone/Fax/E-mail 8. Name of Representative: 9. Representative Mailing Address: I0. Representative telephone and fax 1 I. Date Submitted: 12. Project Period: 13. Conmmnity Background: (1990 Census) Port of Dubuque Redevelopment Dubuque, Iowa 0: All land uses are non-residential 57,687 in 2000 City of Dubuque, Iowa William J Baum Economic Development Dfl'ector City Hall, 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-589-4393, fax 589-1733, wbaum@cityo fdubuque.org Terrance M. Duggan, Mayor City Hall, 50 West 13~ Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 563-556-2525, fax 563-556-2347 December 10, 2001 Two years from date of award Cit~ of Dubuque Population * 57,686 Per capita income ** 12,377 Percent of families below poverty level ** 7.6% Unemployment Rate ** 5 Housing vaeancy rate ** 4.2% Non-White Population * 2,220 · 2000 Census ** 1990 Census Pilot Area 0 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A The pilot area is within a State of Iowa Certified Enterprise Zone (EZ) I4. Cooperative Partners: City of Dubuque Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce East Central Intergovernmental Association Dubuque Main Street LTD Iowa Deparh~ent of Economic Development Iowa Department of Natural Resources Dubuque County Historical Society U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Rock Island District BROWNFIELDS NARRATIVE PROJECT OVERVIEW Background and Overall Goals 1. A map of the City of Dubuque's proposed Brownfield target area, the "Port 0f Dubuque" is attached. This area is also known as the "Ice Harbor", "4t~ Street Peninsula" and "South Ice Harbor" areas. 2. Historical context: The City of Dubuque, Iowa (2000 pop. 57,686), is the county seat of Dubuque County, located in NE Iowa, on the Mississippi River. The City was chartered 1841. The oldest City in the state, it was named for Jutien Dubuque, who had settled nearby c. 1788. Dubuque developed first as a mining town, then as a lumbering and milling center. The City developed into a trade, industrial, cultural, and rail center and a river port for an agricultural and dairying area. Industries through the years have made food (Dubuque Packing Company), beer (Star Brewery), metal products (A.Y. McDonald), chemicals, and machinery (John Deere). High tech industries such as Cigna, Cottingham & BUtler, McKesson HBOC, Eagle Point Software, McGraw-Hill, Quebecor, and Cartegraph are experiencing growth in the community. The City is tlie home of the University of Dubuque, Clarke College, and Loras College. Redevelopment Area: PORT OF DUBUQUE: 4TM STREET PENINSULA AND SOUTH ICE HARBOR The City's riverfront area, called the 4m Street Peninsula and South Ice Harbor Area (Port of Dubuque), has a long history as a home for manufacturing and industrial use dating back to the 1800's. Shipbuilding, leather working, brewing, lumber yards, and shipping became the area's primary focus following the earlier settlement activities of trapping, fishing, and shell harvesting. Originally, the sites were marsh comprised of spits and humps of seasonally dry land. Over time, the flood plain was drained and filled to resemble the current land area. The pattern of industrial use, while declining, continues to the present day on portions of the Port of Dubuque. The site also contains existing tourist attractions, including the Riverfront Museum, Diamond Jo Casino, historic Shot Tower and associated surface parking. As a result cfa major commitment of local funds and a series of grants from the state and federal governments, a new hotel and indoor waterpark, an education and conference center, the Mississippi River Discovery Center, (museum, aquarium and wetlands), and the National Rivers Hall of Fame are under design and construction in the area. 3. Ultimate target or goal: The City's ultimate goal is to redevelop the entire Port of Dubuque into a new "urban neighborhood", according to an approved Master Plan, with the committed national tourist ara'actions anchoring other commercial, office, and housing developments. EPA funding would be used to assess properties not yet under City ownership and control. The City anticipates purchasing three properties within one year, and approximately ten other properties within five years. Project Specific Objectives: The Brownfield assessment pilot funds will be used to assess, identify, characterize, and plan response activities at any contaminated sites targeted for redevelopment in the Port of Dubuque. Proiect Strategy: The City of Dubuque's overall strategy for achieving its goals and objectives consists of capitalizing on the skills and effort of the partnering organizations committed to the redevelgpment of the Port of Dubuque. In summary, the strategic steps the City wilt implement include: · Finalizing the master plan to guide development in the area. (January 2002) · Finalizing the identification of properties within the area known to be or perceived to be contaminated. (Spring-Summer 2002) · Obtah~/ng permission from property owners to access their properties for assessment purposes (Spring-Summer 2002) · For certain non-City owned properties, develop plans for acquisition by either the City or Dubuque Initiatives, the non-profit entity established to assist the City in controlling ~nd owning property. (Summer 2002-Sunune? 2004) · Enrolling in the State of Iowa's Land Recycling Program. (Spring 2002) · Arranging for the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) process with qualified individuals or consultants. (Summer 2002-Winter 2004) · Proceeding with Phase 1I Environmental site investigations on the properties where recognized enviromnental conditions exist. (Summer 2002 - Winter 2004) · Obtaining "no furtber action letters" from EPA and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for properties determined to be "clean" following the Phase I or Phase I1 process. (Summer 2002- Winter 2004 and beyond) · Developing a plan for additional remediation, and financing further action at those properties after the Phase II ESA process. (Spring 2003) · Continuous coordination and communication with the community, property owners, and prospective developers during the assessment process. (Ongoing) The City's partners in the development of the Port of Dubuque include an ongoing, established property owners group, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, the Dubuque County Historical Society, the Dubuque Main Street, Ltd., Dubuque Initiatives, and a 4a~ Street Peninsula Work Group comprised of Platinum Hospitality (a hotel developer), City semor management staff, and the above nmned organizations. Additionally, other organizations are supportive of the efforts of the City to revitalize this area, and will be an active partner in financing Brownfields assessment and cleanup, Enclosed are letters of support from the Iowa Department of Economm Development, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the East Central Intergovernmental Association, and the Army Corps of Engineers. Authority: The City of Dubuque is a municipal corporation organized under the Code of Iowa. The City has designated by ordinance the 4th Street Peninsula area as an Urban Renewal Area under Chapter 403 of the Code of Iowa. Section 403.6 (3) gives the City the authority to enter into any property in order to make inspections, surveys, tests, etc., and to acquire by purchase, gift, grant, etc., any real property in the Urban Renewal Area. 3 Dove Harbor' PUD Zone Zone ~undary B BUDGET Proiect Tasks Budget Task 1 Task 2 Task 3 Task4 Total Categories Phase I EA Phase II EA Admin Cleanup PlAnning Personnel Fringe Benefits Travel 5000 5000 Equipment Supplies I000 1000 Contractual 44000 I00000 50000 194000 Other Total 44000 100000 6000 50000 200000 4 RESPONSES TO EVALUATION CRITERIA PART 1 1. Problem Statement and Needs Assessment Effect of Brownfields on the Community The City of Dubuque is located on the Mississippi River and is the largest City (57,686) in a me~opolitan county of approximately 90,000. As stated in the project overview, Dubuque developed first as a mining town, then as a lumbering and milling center. The City developed into a trade, industrial, cultural, rail center and a river port for an agricultural and dairying area. Over the years, many of the manufacturing operations closed, including slaughterhouses, packing houses, coal gasification plants and breweries. The environmental consequences of manufacturing and disposal procedures were often not considered, and the result is that many former manufacturing sites in the City are obsolete or vacant. Many of these sites may have significant environmental risks. The fact that many of the old industrial areas of the City have environmental problems contributed to "urban sprawl" in the Dubuque area. For the past 40 years, the City's growth has been moving to the west side of the community. In the 1960s and 70s, the major retail sector of the City followed the trend of moving to a "mall" setting. Today, downtown Dubuque has become more of a business park, with former department store buildinigs occupied by insurance and pension companies such as Cottingham & Butler, CISCO, CIGNA, and McKesson HBOC. Additionally, the area contains a mixture of small retail shops, City and county government offices, utilily offices, and services. Likewise, the City's major focus on industrial development has been outside of the downtown area, on "greenfield" sites containing no contamination. In the past 4 years, the City has developed over 800 acres of industrial properties to the west and south of the old industrial areas. Good examples of the negative impacts of Brownfields on the City of Dubuque can be found in the City and State's attempts to construct major highway improvements in the City. · In the development and construction of relocated Highway 61, major time delays occurred while the State Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Environmental Protection Agency negotiated with property owners on the assessment and cleanup of a contaminated brownfield site. · In the completion of US 20 from the Julien Dubuque b?idge to Devon Drive, construction of part of the project was delayed while the same state and federal agencies worked with owners of a former coal gasification plant to complete phase 1 and 2 assessments, develop a cleanup plan. and mitigate the enviroumental problems at the site. These delays in the completion of major transportation projects had major impacts on existing businesses and the traveling motorist in the City of Dubuque. The City has identified the Port of Dubuque (4th Street Peninsula and South Ice Harbor) as the brown field target area. (See map) This area is under major planning and redevelopment and needs the support of the EPA to assist in assessment activities. There are approximately 64 gross acres of re-developable land in the project area, inclusive of street rights and exclusive of the old Star Brewery site, which is owned by the City. The Port of Dubuque also contains existing tourist attractions, including the Riverboat Museum, Diamond Jo Casino, and associated surface parking. The $188 million America's River project has begun with a new hotel and indoor waterpark, an education and conference center, the Mississippi River Discovery Center and the National Rivers Hall of Fame under design and construction h~ the area. 5 In order to redevelop the entire area, the City must gain control of many properties. Fourteen different owners, including the City, presently own the properties. Current and previous industrial uses such as ship manufacturing, bulk petroleum storage and coal storage have resulted in various degrees of subsurface soil contamination throughout portions of the target area. The City is planning to enrbll in the Land Recycling Program (LRP) to address contmnination of these properties. The City has been extremely active in Brownfield activities, and has completed a number of Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments City-wide over the past few years. Work has been related to both City-owned and private property. Investigations have included greenfield sites but also many properties that represent underdeveloped or vacant brownfield sites that will be reclaimed and reused. A number of assessments have been completed for properties that the City intends to acquire, including waterfront redevelopment sites in the 4th Street Peninsula and South Ice Harbor (Port of Dubuque) area and in the downtown. Phase IPhase II Date Location X 1997 Iowa Inn 9® and Iowa (Downtown) X 1997 Dubuque Technology Park Hwy 61/151 and Lake Eleanor Road X 1998 County Farm/Siegert Farms/Bergfeld Farm Hwy 20 and Seippel Road X X 1998 Lots 5, 6, 10 Ice Harbor (4~h Street Peninsula) X X 1999 Sinclair Oil Terminal Street (South Ice Harbor) X 2000 Rip Row Valley Julien Dubuque Drive X X 2000 Best Rental 3r~ and Iowa (Downtown) X 2000 Merchants Hotel/Union Cigar Store 3*a and Main (Downtown) X X 2000 Plastic Center Inc. Bell Street (4th Street Peninsula) X 2000 Miller Trucking 380 4t~ Street (4th Street Peninsula) X X 2000 ConAgra/Peavey East 4th Street (4t~ Street Peninsula) X X 200I Dubuque Star Brewery East 4th Street (4® Street Peninsula) X X 1994/1997 Kerper Industrial Park 2000 Kerper Court X 2000 Flyrm Ready-Mix Kerper Court Remediation Study 2001 Ice Harbor Area (4~ Street Peninsula) Value added by Federal Support EPA funding will be used by the City of Dubuque m assist in accomplishing the goal of transforming the entire Port of Dubuque into a successful model for stimulating economic development. The great majority of the funding will be used by the City for performing Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments, and developing plans for the remediation and f'mancing cleanup strategies for appropriate properties. This will lead to the ultimate goat of redevelopment of the area, which will assist in expanding the tourism projects in the area, expanding the property tax base, creating jobs, aud improving the quality of life in Downtown Dubuque. If this proposal is approved, and the City enters into a cooperative agreement with EPA, the City will leverage additional resources, support, and assistance for addressing brownfields from these local, s~ate and federal resources: · The Community Development Block Gram progrmn funds support the national objectives of job creation and clearance of slum and blight. The City of Dubuque as an entitlement City, has and will commit CDBG funds to the Port of Dubuque. · Tax Increment Financing can be used to assist the City, property owners and developers in the planning and implementation process. · Grants are available from the state of Iowa to assist in Brownfields cleanup activities. The City has been successful in the past and will continue to pursue these resources. · EPA's Brownfield Cleanup Revolving Loan program will be pursued, as well as support from the Economic Development Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. · The regional economic development district, the East Central Intergovernmental Association, will support the effort with business loan programs of SBA and EDA to assist businesses in expanding in the Port of Dubuque. Additional teclmical assistance from EPA would be very helpful in informing and educating our citizens in the benefits of reuse ofbrownfield sites. 7 2. Community Based Planning and Involvement Existing Local Commitment This application was developed through the planning process for redevelopment of the Port of Dubuque. The City has had invaluable public input on the redevelopment of this area. · The City has identified the 4th Street Peninsula area as an urban renewal area. The City, il~ cooperation with the existing land owners, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce. the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, the Dubuque County Historical Society, and the Dubuque Main Street, Ltd., has developed a series of planning and implementation efforts in the Port of Dubuque: 1990: The City of Dubuque created a long-term planning commission, which started working on Vision 2000. Part of this citizen planning process focused on the potential for redevelopment of the riverfront. · 1992: The 4~ Street Peninsula Study Group was formed to work out development solutions for riverfront land that combined industrial and recreational uses. 1993: The project area was included in the 1993 Dubuque Riverfront Plan prepared by RTKL, Associates with Arthur Anderson Real Estate Services. The study looked at approximately 6 miles of riverfront from Lock and Dam #11 on the north down to Julien Dubuque Drive. The 4~ Street Peninsula area war identified as needing numerous improvements in order to support redevelopment. 1995: RTKL plan was completed, and envisioned a mixed-use, marina based redevelopment plan for the area with proposed new multi-family housing, a hotel, an amphitheater, a promenade, restaurants, shops and green space on the Peninsula. The plan also extended a hike and bike trail that became the Heritage Tral~ expansion from 32nd Street to the Julien Dubuque monument. The museum building committee launched a capital fund drive to expand the Mississippi River Museum. The $10.2 million expansion included aquariums showing life on the Upper Mississippi River and interactive exhibits. · 1996: The State of Iowa provided the museum project with $1 million for the River Discovery Center. Active planning and design for a public riverwalk was initiated. 1997: The America's River partnership was formed by the City, the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce, mad the Dubuque County Historical Society to raise public and private funds for a $20 million River Discovery Center and $4 to $5 million Riverwaik. · 1998: Tbe River Discovery Center received a $4 million Commanity Attraction and Tourism Development grant from the State of Iowa, with an additional grant of $1 million granted in 1999. This was contingent upon the project receiving $5 million matching money from the federal govenunent. The City became active in purchasing property from the Fischer Companies for land and rights to the fiver for the i200-foot Riverwalk project. The Riverwalk was plmmed to stretch from the northern edge of the Ice Harbor to the River's Edge Plaza, then north along the river to an amphitheater nestled between the floodwall and the Dubuque Star Brewery building. · i999: The City approved the $480,000 construction of the first phase of the walkway: River's Edge Plaza, a 5000 square foot plaza located along the river. 8 A parking study was prepared in 1999 for the 4t~ Street Peninsula. The study focused on comparing the needs and supply of existing facilities for parking with the demand for additional parking generated by proposed facilities. The study also reviewed way:finding, signage and circulation issues in and around the peninsula. Since the time of this study, additional surface parking spaces have been constructed in the area. 2000: Platinum Holdings, L.L.C. proposed a $40.5 million development on property acquired by the City from the Fischer Companies, for a 350 room hotel and 40,000 sq.ft, indoor waterpark (Phase I: 200 rooms and 24,000 sq.ft.), and a 45,000 sq.ft, mixed-use office building, to provide the private match required for the City to receive a Vision Iowa Grant. The City agreed to acquire and prepare the site at a cost of $2.7 million. The City and County Historical Society projects gre~v to the America's River proj'ect to seek a $54 million Vision Iowa grant. The Mississippi River Discovery Center expunded its focus from the Upper Mississippi River to the entire Mississippi River, expanding the plans for a 45,000 square foot museum building to 68,000 square feet. The City added over $30 million for a rivevfront education and conference center to its planned infrastructure changes in the Peninsula. This brought the City's financial commitment for the project to almost $50 million. The Ice Harbor Access and Traffic Study was prepared in 2000 by HDR Engineering, Inc. This study examined existing traffic conditions, proposed traffic impacts and conceptual alternatives for additional access to and from US61. Based on the resuks of the capacity analysis, approxhnately 2300 additional vehicle trips will be generated by the City's America's River project. The study concluded that the additional traffic could be accommodated with minor improvements to th6 existing roadway system. 2001: The America's River project received a $40 million State of Iowa Vision Iowa grant, which meant the hotel and education and conference center would be built as part of the project2 The Historical Society's River Discovery Center received $20,000,08 i. The City received $19,999,919 for the education and conference center, amenities, greenways, Riverwalk and infrastructure. The 5000 square foot River's Edge Plaza was completed: One of the statutory requirements of the Vision Iowa program is that the project must meet the folloxving "smart growth" principles: 1. Efficient and effective use of land and other resources. 2. Incorporation of a variety of transportation options. 3. Maintenance ora sense of place. 4. Conservation of farmtand and preservation of critical environmental areas. 5. Promotion of safety, livability, and revitalization of existing urban and rural communities. The City is now underway with an updated Master Plan for this area. The master plan identified an additional 54 gross acres of re-developable land in the area. The City has moved forward with additional property purchases of the Dubuque Star Brewery and Peavey Company properties, and several environmental assessments have been conducted by the City in the area. The following community-based organizations have been involved in the redevelopment efforts in the Port of Dubuque, and are supportive of this proposal: The Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC), a non-profit organization, has been promoting economic development in the Dubuque area since the early 1980s. The GDDC is supported by membership of more than 100 corporations, local governments, and citizens of the community. The mission of the organization is to create quality jobs in both existing and new businesses. The GDDC has been and will continue to be active in seeking optional sites for existing property owners in the 4th Street Peninsula, and providing valuable input in the master planning process for the area. Contact: Rick Dickinson, Director, 563-557-90491 The Dubuque County Historical Society, a non-profit organization, has been the most active organization in developing and promoting the Port of Dubuque concept. Through the hard work of the executive director and development director, the organization has successfully raised millions of dollars to fund the America's River Discovery Center and amenities, all of which are under construction in the 44 Street Peninsula area. Contact: Jerry Enzler, Executive Director 563-557-9545. Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Chamber is responsible · for the marketing of the Port of Dubuque to national and international tourism markets. The Chamber has been a partner in seeking Vision Iowa funds from the State of Iowa and has actively participated in the master planning process, and the design of the America's River Conference and Edu¢ation Center. Contact: Sue Czeshinski, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau, 563-557-9200. The East Central Intergovernmental Association: This regional economic development district is also an SBA certified development company, and is committed to assisting companies interested in expanding within the Port of Dubuque. The assistance will be in the form of helping companies obtain financing for business development. Examples of financial assistance include SBA 504 loans, and EDA revolving loan funds. Contact: Larry Nagle, Executive Director, 563-5564166. Dubuque Main Street Ltd., is a non-profit organization whose goal is to improve the business and living enviromnent of downtown Dubuque. Tbe Port of Dubuque area is within the Dubuque Main Street, Ltd. service territory. The organization, along with the City of Dubuque staff and thousands of private citizens, have recently (Nov 2001) fmalized a Vision Downtown which has as a goal the redevelopment of the downtown area, including the Port of Dubuque. Contact: Dan LoBianco, Executive Director, 563-5884400. In addition to the above, the City staff has organized an informal "property owners" group. This group of owners meets on a regular basis to review the progress the City is making in developing a master plan for the area, and provides valuable input to the City on issues relating to standards for development. Evidence of interest by these organizations in redeveloping the Port of Dubuque is provided in letters of support attached to this application. Community Involvement Plan The City of Dubuque cormnunity involvement plan consists of engaging the community in the City's brownfields efforts. Tbe City will continue working with the property owners group to inform and gain input on the City's proposal to move forward and implement this Brownfields initiative in the Port of Dubuque. Dubuque Main Street Ltd will take a lead role in this process. The community, through local news media, will be informed of this proposal, the objectives of the pilot program, and barriers that the City may need to Overcome to make this program successful. Much of the community involvement plan includes the preparation of materials and literature on the project. Therefore, a small part of the budget will be alloeated toward the development of information packets. Groups that will be given copies of the literature for use and disbursement include persons and businesses in the vicinity of the pilot area, the Chamber of Commerce, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, the Dubuque County Historical Society, the East Central Intergovermnental Association, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. l0 Environmental Justice Plan No residential structares exist in the Port of Dubuque. No persons live in the area the City is proposing to re-develop. The area is separated from any residential areas by a high-speed expressway (US61), and by railroad tracks. Therefore, direct impacts on Iow-moderate income persons and/or minorities wilt be minimal or non-existent. However, the census tract that the Port of Dubuque is a part of is a low and moderate-income area. Therefore, persons living within sight distance of the Port of Dubuque may experience a higher proportion of environmental and safety hazards than other parts of the community. In order to alleviate some of these impacts, the master plan for the Port of Dubuque creates green spaces in the area that would buffer those existing industrial areas from residences across the highway and railroad tracks. One of the City's goals in redeveloping the Port of Dubuque is to create jobs. Assuming the City will be using the CDBG program to assist in these job creation activities, businesses using CDBG are required to provide employment opportunities to at least 51 percent of the persons benefiting from the program. 3. Implementation Planning Government Support Attached are letters of support from the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, and the U.S. Army Corps of Eng/neers. Site Selection and Environmental Site Assessment Plan The sites suspected of being potential brownfield sites have been identified through the master planning process. As indicated previously, some of the sitos have had Phase I and Phase II assessments completed. The City has documented of all the other sites not currently owned by the City. These are the properties to be assessed under this pilot program. As indicated above, the specific sites for brownfields assessment and redevelopment have been identified (see map). Some of the sites are now owned (but leased) by the City of Dubuque, and others are privately held. Private owners are aware of the City's intention to pumhase property for redevelopment. The City is not familiar enough with each parcel to determine who caused whatover pollution may exist on the sites. The City understands the "polluter pays" concept. EPA funds are necessary for the assessment activities because the City's resources are committed to other portions of the public infrastructure necessary to redevelop the properties. The City is financing the America's River Education and Conference Center, and the additional property acquisition activities necessary to completely revitalize this area. Access agreements have been successfully obtained on other properties in the Port of Dubuque area, in advance of the City purchasing the property. Access agreements will be secured for additional properties based upon the types of agreements used by other EPA funded pilots. The City will hire an environmental engineering consulting fn-m for site assessment and investigation, in accordance with federal and state procurement requirements. The engineering f'mn will prepare quality assurance plans (QAPs) for anY phase II sampling and testing activities. A more detailed work plan outlining site assessment tasks and procedures will be developed during the RFP process for consuking engineering assistance. Reuse Planning and Proposed Cleanup Funding Mechanisms The master plan being finalized by the City plans for most of the property in the Port of Dubuque to be owned or controlled by the City except the property currently owned by the Diamond Jo Casino and the Dubuque County Historical Society. The City intends to offer the remaining parcels to private developers for the redevelopment of the Port of Dubuque for office, commercial, and residential uses. This reuse plan is in its final stages of approval. A map of the proposed Master Reuse plan is enclosed. The cleanup ftmding mechanisms either are or will be in place as the City moves forward in the redevelopment of the Port of Dubuque. These mechanisms include: a. Identify and negotiate with the responsible parties, if possible (the polluter pays concept) b. This area is in an Enterprise Zone area. As such, a variety of tax credits and other mcentives can be used for redevelopment purposes. c. Th~ state of Iowa's grant program called the Physical Infrastructare Assistance Program has been used by the City of Dubuque previously, and can be useful again. This program provides financial assistance for activities that eliminate environmental contaminants. d. The Community Development Block Grant program can be used in cleanup and redevelopment of brown field sites. e. The use of Tax Increment Financing can be used to provide funds for cleanup and redevelopment efforts. f. The City of Dubuque will pursue EPA's revolving loan program for cleanup purposes. Flow of Ownership Plan The City of Dubuque has been and will continue to be involved in the redevelopment of the Port of Dubuque as the owner/redeveloper of the properties. Often times the City has used its non-profit corporation, Dubuque Initiatives to purchase and "hold" the property for the City, but the City is at all times in control of the development of the property. As stated above, the City intends to pursue financial resources to assist an owner- in cleaning up the site, have the site appraised; and purchase the site for furore redevelopment. New owners will be sought through the Urban Renewal process, and a Request for Proposals process from qualified developers. 12 4. Long-Term Benefits and Sustainability Long Term Benefits The successful implementation of this Brownfields Pilot project will assist the City in redevelopment of the Port of Dubuque. Specifically, the Port of Dubuque Master Plan predicts an additional $137 million in development of approximately 14 acres of office space, 15 acres of office-Showroom space, 14 acres of ~esidential development, 4 acres of commercial development, and 6 acres of parks and open spaces to compliment the existing 44 acres of existing and $188 million planned Casino and America's River projects. This redevelopment of the Port of Dubuque has created an exciting atmosphere in the City, and we invite EPA to be a parmer in the success of this redevelopment project. The City anticipates the redevelopment will bring jobs, retail trade, additional tax base, and an increase in wealth and population to the City. Therefore, this Brownfields Pilot project can be a model for other communities in the redevelopment of properties. Sustainable Reuse The City has developed, and is in the final stages of approving, a master plan for reuse of the properties. The City recognizes that developers may need incentives to redevelop the properties, and the City is willing to assist using Tax Increment Financing, Community Development Block Grants, or lending programs of SBA and EDA through local banks and development corporations. As a part of the master plan, the City is developing strict development standards that apply to all structures and developments. These high standards, implemented through zoning and urban renewal regulations, will assure the citizens of Dubuque that the property is being and will be protected for future generations. Copies of the development standards are available upon request. Measures of Success The City of Dubuque will have met its specific Brownfields Pilot objectives when the City has: 1. Gained community consensus and commitment by adopting the Master Plan for the Port of Dubuque. 2. Identified properties within the Port of Dubuque known to be contaminated or perceived to be contaminated. 3. Assessed the selected propertie~. 4. Finalized Cleanup plans. 5. Cleaned up the properties, thereby eliminating environmental hazards in the area. 6. Attracted developers to invest and redevelop the entire Port of Dubuque. Success will be measured by tracking the number of properties assessed, the number cleaned up, the nmnber of acres redeveloped, and the increase in economic activity: new jobs, additional retail sales, population increases, etc. over the life of the program. 13 APPENDIX LETTERS OF SUPPORT FROM BROWNFIELDS PARTNERS Iowa Department of Economic Deyelopmem Iowa Department of Natural Resources Dubuque County Historical Society Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce Dubuque Main Street Ltd East Central Intergovernmental Association U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 14 12/07/01 FRI 15:42 FAX 5152424832 ~002 December 3, 2001 Mr. Bill Baum, Economic Development Director City of Dubuque 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4864 IOWA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Dear Mr. Baum: Please accept this letter of support from the Iowa Department of Economic Development (1DED) for the City of Dubuque's EPA Brownfield Assessment Pilot Demonstration application. Securing this grant will make available up m $250,000 in funding needed to assess several environmentally impaired properties within the Port of Dubuque Brownfield targeted area. TIffs funding will assist the City of Dubuque in redeveloping the Port of Dubuque into a new urban neighborhood supporting commercial, industrial and recreational opportunities. Completing the assessment of the impaired properties will greatly assist in revitalizing an area that is targeted for significant new invesunem, including the Mississippi River Discovery Center and National Rivers Hall of Fame. I urge the EPA to give serious consideration the City of Dubuque's apphcation and to provide funding for the assessment of environmentally mapalred properties to support: · Completing Phase I Environmental Assessments and Phase II Environmental Site Investigations on targeted properties, · Alleviating health concerns of citizens living around or adjacent to the targeted clean up area, and · Supporting the City of Dubuque's long term master plan for sustainable gro . IDED is committed to working with the City of Dubuque on its brownfield redevelopment plans and looks forward to supporting the revitalization of the Port of Dubuque. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 515/242- 4720, Sincerely, Director CJN/st THOMAS J. VILSACK. GOVERNOR SA[[Y J, PEDERSON, LT. GovERNoR C.J.Nile~,Director, 200Ea$rGrandA-~enue- De~Moines/IowaS030~-1827 · 515~242.4700 - F~515.242.4809 info@ided.sta~eAams · TTY: 1.800.735.2942 , v,~.state, ia.u~/ided thOMaS J. VllSaCK, gOVERNOR SALLY J. PEDERSON, LT. GOVERNOR STATE OF IOWA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL FIESOUbCES JEFFREY R. VONK, DIRECTOR NoVember 30, 2001 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency OSWER Outreach and Special Projects Staff (5105) Attn: Becky Brooks 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460 Re: EPA Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Application Port of Dubuque: 4'" Street Peninsula and South Ice Harbor, Dubuque, Iowa Dear EPA Staff: The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) wishes to express its support of the City of Dubuque's application for funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to conduct environmental site assessments in the area known as the Port of Dubuque: 4th Street Peninsula and South Ice Harbor. We support this EPA initiative and the economic and environmental strides being initiated by the city and community leaders in Dubuque. The Contaminated Sites Section of the IDNR deals with a range of situations that involves contamination caused by a release of hazardous materials or hazardous waste products. Two state programs, Chapter 133 and Chapter 137 (also known as the Land Recycling Program) are administered to address sites that are contaminated by hazardous materials or wastes. These programs focus on assessing the sevedty of such problems and on identifying and carrying out the appropriate remedial measures to assure the protection of public health and the environment. In addition, the Land Recycling Program provides for limited liability protection from further regulatory action relative to the problem(s) addressed. We recognize that as a result of EPA's initiative and the site assessment work to be performed under the Brownfields Assessment Demonstration Pilot Program, future owners of the parcels being assessed may choose to enroll their site in Iowa's Land Recycling Program. The IDNR looks forward to working with the city and community to facilitate cleanup and reuse of land working in conjunction with the EPA Brownfields programs and the Iowa Land Recycling program when appropriate. Your suppoPt of the City of Dubuque's brownfields redevelopment efforts is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Elizabeth Ghristiansen, Administrator Land Ouality and Waste Management Assistance DMsion Iowa Department of Natural Resources WALLACE STATE OFFICE BUILDING / 502 EAST 9th STREET ! DES MOINES; IOWA 50319 515-281-5918 TDD 515-242-5967 FAX515-281-6794 www.s[ate.ia.us/dnr FROM : MRM?DCHS FRX NO. : 5635831241 D~c. OG ~0011~5:0?PM p2 MISSISSIPPI DUBUOUE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCiET'~ ~ December 6, 2001 Ms. Becky Brooks U.S. Enviromnental Protection Agency OSWER Outreach and Special Projects Staff (5105 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, DC 20460 Dear Ms. Brooks: [ mu writing in support of the City of Dubuque application for Environmental Assessment. Thc Port of Dubuque development will be a national campus for the Mississippi River feamri~g environmental education, conservation, histor/c preservation: recreation and econormc development_ The first phase of the Port of Dubuque includes a world class Aquarium and Museum of the Mississippi PJver, a Mississippi River National Education and Conference Center, a waterfront hotel and indoor waterpark, a hverwatk and substantial additional development. This America ~ River project has received support or is an active pawner with numerous federal agencies: · EPA has provided education funding · U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 3, (Minneapolis) has entered into a 20 year partnerskip U.S. Army Corps ofEnglneers, -MSssissippi Valley Division (Vicksburg) has entered into a five year partnership U.S. Coast Guard, Region 8 ~New Orleans) has entered into a 3 year partnership National EndowraenT for the Humanities has provided five g'rants for research and devclopmem National Park Service has provided grant support Institute of Museum and Library Services has provided grant support U.S. Departmeut of Transportation has provided grant support P.O, Box 266 - Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0266 (563) 557-9545 · Fax (563) 583-1241 FROM : MRM/DCMS FA× MO. : 55~8~1241 Dec. 06 2001 05:00PM ME in addition, five governors of'the Upper Mississippi River have signed letters of support to Congress. The state of iowa has invested $47 million dollars in this project, including the first grant in its new Vision iowa program, awarding $40 million. We believe that EPA fi,mding for this request wilt be of major assistance in the City of Dubuque's plans and strongly encourage your support. ely,' GreaterDubuque Devei( 3ment CorBora~mn December 5, 2001 Mr. Bill Baum Economic Development Director City of Dubuque 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001-4867 Dear Mr. Baum: Greater Dubuque Development strongly supports the City o£Dubuque's request for a Brownfietd's Assessment Pilot Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. As you are well aware, our organization has been an active player in the City's efforts to redevelop the Port o£Dubuque. As the master plan for the area is in its £mal stages, we understand the importance of identifying environ_mental problems and addressing the problems as the City acquires property in the area~ We have agreed to contact existing businesses in the area to assist in the negotiations necessary for City control of the properties. Greater Dubuque Development looks forward to working with the City to assist in this very important venture, which will lead to the complete revitalization of the Dubuque riverfront. Rick Dickinson Director RD/kk 300 Main Street, Suite &20, Dubuque, Iowa 5200& December 4, 2001 Bill Baum, Economic Development Director City of Dubuque City Hall Dubuque, IA 52001 DearBilh The Dubuque Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is committed to the development and promotion of the America's River project and development of the entire Fourth Street Peninsula. As director of the Bureau, I serve as a member of the 'Port of Dubuque' Work Group. Our Work Group has been given the task of planning the future of this area in cooperation with the city-hired consultants. Environmental clean-up is a critical step m making our vision for the future a reality. Tkis development is a key part of the Dubuque area's future, the State of Iowa, and the region if we are to continue to compete for the visitor dollar. Bureaus are now focused on product development to enhance the destination and add reasons for visitors to keep coming to an area. Dubuque is no different. Visitor attendance numbers have historically been the strongest when a new attraction has opened. New attractions have been proven to spur additional development. This was the case when the Casino Belle opened in 1991. The addition of the America's River project will draw at least 500,000 additional visitors to Dubuque and create a significant economic impact annually for Dubuque. These visitors will spend money in Dubuque and other communities in Iowa, making for a wide spread impact on the state. Another great benefit will be the chance for visitors from all over the world to finally be able to access the Mississippi River and learn a balanced story of its existence. The Dubuque Area Convention and Visitors Bureau is proud to be a parmer ~n making the America's River project a reality. Sincerely, Sue Czeshinski Director 300 MAIN STREET SUITE 200 P.O. BOX 705 DIJEUQUE, LA 52004-0705 (563)557-9200 (563)557-159I E-MAIL: INFO~TRAVELDUBUQUE.COM WEB SITE: WwW. TRAVELDUBUQUE.COM DUBUOUE k~Main Street December 6, 2001 Will/am Baum Economic Development Department City of Dubuque 50 i3t~ Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Bill, Dubuque Main Street Ltd., a downtown developmeut corporation, welcomes and endorses your import, am effort to f/nd funding for completion of environmental assessments within the Port of Dubuque. As you know, our Main SU-eet board has officially endorsed all the City's efforts toward the establishment of the America's River Project. The 4t~ S~eet Peninsula (Port of Dubuque) is a crucial district in ~ our downtown to the Mississippi .and presents significant brownfield challenges. The City's and Dubuque Ma/n Street's goal to redevelop the entire Port of Dubuque into a new "urban neighborhood," according to an approved Master Plan, with the comra/tted national tourist at,actions anchoring other commercial, office, and housing developments; requires a hard look ar environmental factors. Funding, includiug the potential g~ant from the EPA, seems necessary to assess properties not yet under city ownership and conU:ol. The time to study, identify, characterize and plan response activities ar any conmmlnated sites targeted for redevelopment in the Port of Dubuque m quickly approaching. The City of Dubuque's overall strategy for achieving/ts goals and objectives is well thought out, and, as one of your development parmers, we support your schedule. Should anyone need further details of our endorsement of the funding of brownfield assessments, please call me at 563-588-4400. Daniel L. LoBianco Executive Director On behalf of the entire Board of Directors 909 Main Street * Suite 22LL, Fischer Building · Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Phone:563-588-4400 ° Fax: 563-588-0654 ° E-mail: dbqmainst@mwci.ne~ EAST CENTRAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATION November 30, 2001 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency OSWER Outreach and Special Projects Staff (5101) 401 M Street, SW Washington, DC 20460 DUBUQUE METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSPORTATION STUDY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT PROGRAMS (~rlA) (pd) (WI'W) EASTERN IOWA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY ECIA REGIONAL PLANNING AFFILIATION E.C.I.A. BUSINESS GROWTH, INC. REASON: Port of Dubuque Project Dear EPA Staff: The East Central Intergovernmental Association (ECIA) is pleased ro support the City of Dubuque's apphcation for funding from the EPA's Brownfields Economic Redevelopment Initiative Program. Tasks such as the proposed environmental assessment are essential in the process of converting underutilized properties to a productive use and thereby creating employment opportunities for citizens in the region. The City proposes to use the property for connnercial, office, and tourism activities. These goals are in conformance with the City's Comprehensive Plan and ECIA's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS is prepared annually by this agency with funding received from the Economic Development Administration under that agency's Economic Development District Planning program. The City's intended use for the property ~s m conformance with the CED's goal to "Diversify the economic base of the region by 1) Encouraging the expansion of the tourism/recreation industry, and 2) Encoura!ing the location and expansion of service related industries." In addition to simply expressing support for this project, ECIA will work with the City to seek out and assist those companies interested in establishing businesses in the area covere}t by this project. The assistance will be in the form of helping companies obtain financing for business development. Examples of such assistance include Small Business Administration (SBA)loans mad utilization of regional revolving loans that have been established for this purpose. In summary, ECIA is prc{ud to be a partner in this cooperative effort to enhance economic development in the City of Dubuque. The impact of this project will extend beyond the City and have a positive influence on events in the entire tri-state area. Your support of the City of Dubuque's application will be greatly appreciated. Suite 330, Nesler Centre · P.O. Box 1140 * Dubuque, IA 52004-1140 · (563)556-4166 * Fax (563)556-0348 E-Mail: ecia@ecia.org DEPARTMENT OF THE ARI~IY ROCK ISLAND DISTRICT. CORPS OF ENGINEERS CLOCK TOWER BUILDING - P.O. BOX 2004 ROCK iSLAND, ILLINOIS 61204-2004 December 4, 2001 Planning, Programs, and Project Management Division Ms. Becky Brooks U.S. Environmental Protection Agency OSWER Outreach and Special Projects Staff (5105) 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. Washington, DC 20460 Dear Ms. Brooks: The Rock Island District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) would like to express our support for the City of Dubuque's application to have Dubuque's Brownfields area designated an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Assessment Demonstration Pilot. The proposed pilot area adjoins the Mississippi River at the 4th Street Peninsula and South Ice Harbor (Port of Dubuque) riverfront area. The EPA's Brownfields Redevelopment Initiative is designed to empower states, communities, and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment to work together in a timely manner to prevent, assess, educate, and develop plans for the cleanup and sustainable reuse of Brownfields. The Corps is a strong supporter of the Brownfields Initiative and is especially interested in seeing potentially contaminated areas near major water systems assessed, cleaned up, and redeveloped. Other EPA Brownfields Pilots have been able rD utilize Corps programs to assist the redevelopment process. The following Corps programs will again be available to help facilitate the EPA Brownfields Initiative: a. Planning Assistance to States (PAS) grant through the Corps to begin site assessments, stormwater, drainage, habitat, and comprehensive planning studies. b. Assistance from the Corps for aquatic ecosystem restoration (Section 206) and improvement of the environment through habitat restoration (Section 1135). -2- This Brownfields project is a key cornerstone to the economic revitalization of the City of Dubuque, and on behalf of the Corps' Rock Island District, I strongly encourage funding of the City's initiatives through the EPA's Brownfields Assessmem Demonstration Pilot program. Please feel free to call me ar our Rock Island District office at 309/794-5.260, for more information on the Corps' involvement with this initiative. Sincerely, ORIGINAL SIGNED BY Copies Furnished: Ms. Susan Klein U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 901 North 5th Street Kansas City, Kansas 66101-2907 ~Mr. William Brown Economic Development Director City of Dubuque 50 West 13th Street Dubuque, Iowa 52001 Gary L. Loss, P.E. Chief, Planning, Programs, and Project Management Division