Reuse and redevelopment of “brownfields” — defined as “real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant” — is both a challenge and an opportunity to communities that have suffered the effects of environmental contamination.

Often the potential liability associated with environmental contamination complicates business development, property transactions, or expansion on property. All over the country, communities, developers, government officials, and others are working to encourage redevelopment of environmentally contaminated properties.

The City of Cherryvale will host a public information meeting to discuss the EPA Brownfield Grants that have been recently awarded to the community. The public meeting will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 13 at the Cherryvale High School Cafeteria.

Citizens can attend this informational meeting to find out the city’s plans for addressing redevelopment and bringing economic benefits to the community.

For more information on the public meeting or general questions about the EPA brownfields grants, contact city clerk Becky Swain at the Cherryvale City Hall at (620) 336-2776.