Springfield awarded $3.6M grant

The city of Springfield has been awarded a $3.6 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Funds are earmarked for environmental cleanup activities at 404 and 428 N. Jefferson Ave., according to a news release. The site, spanning around 3.8 acres, contains hazardous soil contamination, as well as a historic structure that requires asbestos and lead-based paint abatement, officials said.

In his report to Springfield City Council on July 13, City Manager David Cameron said the grant will accelerate environmental cleanup and future redevelopment opportunities. He said the city will prepare an update to the community on progress with the Renew Jordan Creek project and how the grant will advance it.

“We’ll be bringing that forward soon,” he said.

According to the release, the site along Jefferson Avenue contains a former commercial and heavy industrial property. Officials say the project will help spur Phase II of the Renew Jordan Creek master plan.

"This funding will allow us to address long-standing environmental challenges at 404 and 428 N. Jefferson and remediate industrial contaminants that threaten our local watershed," said Director of Workforce and Economic Vitality Amanda Ohlensehlen, in the release. "This investment is the first step toward moving Phase II of Renew Jordan Creek from vision to reality while building long-term economic resilience and creating opportunities for new private investment in downtown Springfield."

The vision for Phase II calls for public greenspace at the site and the restoration of a section of Jordan Creek that is currently buried within a culvert system, according to the release.