Access to federal dollars cleans up, beautifies, and revitalizes neighborhoods for a healthier, safer future
Vermont Business Magazine The Northeastern Vermont Development Association has worked with Montrose Environmental Group, Inc from Little Rock, AR, in the redevelopment of several properties.
Montrose (NYSE: MEG) enhances environmental stewardship while supporting economic development. In towns from Tennessee to the far reaches of Alaska to Vermont's NEK, communities are reclaiming abandoned spaces and building brighter futures—thanks in part to Montrose Environmental Group. In 2025 alone, Montrose has helped secure nearly $17 million in U.S. EPA Brownfield Grants to transform underutilized or contaminated properties into vibrant, community-driven spaces.
These federal funds—often overlooked or misunderstood by local governments—are bringing life back to long-forgotten properties.
“Most communities don’t realize they qualify for this funding or that brownfields can include everything from former gas stations to aging strip malls or fire-damaged buildings,” said Chris Gdak, Senior Principal, Environmental Solutions at Montrose Environmental Group. “The most powerful part of Montrose’s work is the impact we deliver to local communities. These projects bring hope, pride, and new energy to places that have waited far too long for investment.”
Montrose’s work goes beyond the grant applications – identifying candidate communities, guiding local leaders through the grant process, and engaging residents to shape how those funds are used. Through this collaborative process, cities and towns are thriving with the creation of new jobs, safer neighborhoods, affordable housing opportunities, and a cleaner planet.
Montrose brownfield projects funded by EPA grants this year reflect a growing national footprint:
- Northeastern Vermont Development Association (NVDA): A longstanding partner, NVDA has now received four consecutive EPA Brownfield Assessment Grants and an EPA Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund Grant since 2017 with the help of Montrose. Together, they’ve supported flood mitigation, affordable housing, and economic and community development across the Northeast Kingdom region of Vermont. "NVDA's successful brownfield program has become one of the most important pieces in the economic development toolbox for our rural region of Vermont,” said David Snedeker, Executive Director, NVDA.
- "In 2018 and 2020, NVDA received 2 grants of $600,000 to fund brownfield assessment activities in the NEK region. In 2023, NVDA received another $1M assessment grant + $1M in loan funds for cleanup activities. This year (2025), we received another $1.2M assessment grant. Our funds have assisted with the redevelopment of commercial properties across the region, advanced multiple housing projects for our partner Rural Edge, and other private developments. We have also used our funds for small general store redevelopments in some of our rural communities."
- Franklin County, Tennessee: One of only two EPA Brownfield grants awarded in the entire state this year, this marks Montrose’s first funded project in Tennessee—setting the stage for expanded revitalization efforts in the Southeast.
- Tanaq Corporation, Alaska: On St. George Island, a remote community in the Bering Sea, Montrose helped secure a $2 million grant to support critical infrastructure needs. This grant will enable the village to identify and resolve environmental issues on the island.
“This funding is critical to revitalizing communities across the country,” Gdak added. “At a time when federal environmental programs are increasingly under threat, we’re proud to help cities access the resources they need to restore forgotten areas, build what’s needed, and bring people together in the process.”
Montrose’s brownfields and community revitalization work continues to expand its reach through partnerships in underserved areas – from Alaska to Florida and Vermont to Hawaii. With over 50 communities served —and growing—the impact of this work is seen and felt at every level.
Learn more about the difference Brownfield revitalization can make:
- Revitalizing Abandoned Properties: The Armory Project in St. Johnsbury, Vermont
- Restoring Brownfields and Protecting Heritage in Embreeville Park
- Brownfield Remediation Success – Ounalashka Corporation
About Montrose
Montrose is a leading environmental solutions company focused on supporting commercial and government organizations as they deal with the challenges of today and prepare for what’s coming tomorrow. With ~3,400 employees across 100+ locations worldwide, Montrose combines deep local knowledge with an integrated approach to design, engineering, and operations, enabling Montrose to respond effectively and efficiently to the unique requirements of each project. From comprehensive air measurement and laboratory services to regulatory compliance, emergency response, permitting, engineering, and remediation, Montrose delivers innovative and practical solutions that keep its clients on top of their immediate needs – and well ahead of the strategic curve. For more information, visit www.montrose-env.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.
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