WHEREAS, "brownfields" are abandoned or under-utilized commercial and industrial properties where expansion or redevelopment is hindered by real or perceived contamination; and

WHEREAS, in the state of Wisconsin, there are an estimated 10,000 brownfields, of which 1,500 are believed to be tax delinquent; and

WHEREAS, brownfields often are located in inner cities, where land once was well suited for industrial development but now is better suited for commercial, residential or recreational use; and

WHEREAS, these properties present public health, economic, environmental and social challenges to the communities in which they are located; and

WHEREAS, the costs of reclaiming brownfields are beyond the resources or political will of many communities if today's property taxpayer must bear the burden of correcting yesterday's environmental mistakes; and

WHEREAS, the cleanup of potential parks, open space and other projects may have minimal or no direct economic impact, but create the potential for immense indirect economic benefits for generations to come by improving the quality of life in Wisconsin communities; and

WHEREAS, the Stewardship Program can be used only for acquisition of property;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of _________________ supports elimination of disincentives in the brownfield grant program for redeveloping brownfields for residential or retail use, providing the project is consistent with a municipality’s land-use plan; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of _________________ supports increased state funding of all brownfields grant programs; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of _________________ supports creation of a brownfields grant program that provides funds to local governments to reclaim land for a use that benefits the public;  and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be forwarded to the governor, leaders of both houses of the Legislature and legislators from the ___________________ area.

Adopted by the City of ____________________

(signed)_______________________________