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Environmental Response Fund
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Redevelopment in Ramsey County often means addressing legacy environmental issues or “brownfields." An Environmental Response Fund (ERF) grant program provides resources to offset the cost of environmental assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites.
Who can apply?
Local governmental organizations, developers, for-profit and not‐for‐profit organizations are eligible for ERF grants. ERF grants are not available to non-local government responsible parties.
How to apply
Proposals are typically accepted twice, per year:
- March 15 - May 1
- September 15 - November 1
Applicants who are requesting funds for building demolition/deconstruction must submit a detailed waste management plan (PDF). Applicants must also provide a letter or resolution of support from the relevant local unit of government.
Before applying, please contact Community & Economic Development to discuss your project and application requirements.
Brownfield funding availability
The timing of the ERF grant round coincides with contamination cleanup grant programs administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Metropolitan Council to maximize collaboration among the three funders. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate their application with the other grant programs. Approximately $500,000 is distributed in every Ramsey County ERF grant round.
Eligibility requirements
The following questions can help guide prospective applicants as they consider whether or not to apply for the Environmental Response Fund:
- Is your project located in Ramsey County?
- Does your project have contamination cleanup costs that would make it difficult or impossible to move forward with development without public funding?
- Do you have a Response Action Plan approved by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency?
- Is your project scheduled to begin cleanup in the next 6-12 months? (Highly recommended not required)
- Does your project fulfill one or more of the following program priorities?
- Located in an environmental justice area.
- Provides affordable housing (60% AMI or below).
- Provides jobs.
- Increases property tax base.
Funding priorities
ERF grants are competitive, and traditionally funding is split 50/50 between Suburban Ramsey County and the City of Saint Paul. Priority is given to the following types of projects:
- Significant contamination cleanup.
- Demonstrated project readiness.
- Increase in affordable housing units.
- Increase in jobs.
- Increase in property taxes.
- Located in an environmental justice area (as defined by MPCA).
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Timeline (2025)
| Event | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| View webinar | ||
|
Solicitation published |
March 15, 2025 |
|
| Response deadline | May 1, 2025 | |
| Funding award decision |
July 2025 |
|