Source: Sabine Martin, 785-532-6474, smartin1@k-state.edu
Web site: http://www.engg.ksu.edu/CHSR/events/RevitalizeYourCommunity-AgendaMay09.html

Thursday, April 23, 2009

K-STATE, KANSAS DEPT. OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT AND EPA OFFERING FREE WORKSHOPS IN TOPEKA, WICHITA AND DODGE CITY ON GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION

MANHATTAN -- The Technical Assistance for Brownfields communities program at Kansas State University is co-sponsoring three one-day workshops with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Region 7 and Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The free workshops, to be in Topeka, Wichita, and Dodge City, will address resources for communities that would like to revitalize areas in their communities, including brownfields. Brownfields are real property where the expansion, redevelopment or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.

"These underutilized properties typically drag down neighborhood real estate values. The challenge is to not only economically rejuvenate these properties but to do so in a sustainable manner," said Sabine Martin, coordinator of the Technical Assistance for Brownfields communities program, offered through K-State's Center for Hazardous Substance Research.

The workshops, which each start with registration at 8 a.m. and run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will be offered:

* Monday, May 11, Topeka, at the state Department of Health and Environment, Room 530, Curtis State Office Building, 1000 S.W. Jackson.

* Tuesday, May 12, Wichita, at the University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Meadowlark Room, 1010 N. Kansas St.

* Tuesday, May 19, Dodge City, at the Dodge City district office of the state Department of Health and Environment, 302 W. McArtor Road.

Martin said the workshops are aimed at local governments or any quasi-governmental entities, as well as regional councils, planning commissions, economic development entities, native tribes, nonprofit organizations, educational entities, health departments and others interested in revitalization issues. The goals of the workshop are to better inform and provide information to attendees regarding the various economic, social, health and environmental resources available from the state Department of Health and Environment, K-State's Technical Assistance to Brownfields communities program, the EPA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Workshop registration is available by contacting Sheree Walsh at smw@k-state.edu or 785-532-6519. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. More information on the workshops is available by contacting Martin at 785-532-6474 or smartin1@k-state.edu, and the workshop agenda is available at:
http://www.engg.ksu.edu/CHSR/events/RevitalizeYourCommunity-AgendaMay09.html