Sangamon County Plans Brownfield Study

The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission is launching a countywide program to identify, assess and plan for the cleanup and reuse of properties with potential environmental contamination.

The initiative is funded through a $1.5 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Assessment Coalition Grant awarded on behalf of Sangamon County and in partnership with the City of Springfield and the Village of Grandview.

Grant funds will be used to hire a qualified environmental professional and community engagement consultant, create and maintain a countywide inventory of brownfield sites, conduct environmental assessments and develop community-driven plans for potential reuse.

Reuse strategies could include housing, commercial redevelopment, green space and projects that support public health goals.

The program will initially focus on three areas: the Browning Road and Veterans Parkway corridor in unincorporated Sangamon County, the Tenth Street and rail corridor in Springfield, and the North Grand Avenue East corridor in Grandview.

Those areas contain properties with former industrial or commercial uses, aging infrastructure and suspected contamination that may limit redevelopment opportunities. Additional properties could be assessed as the inventory is developed and funding remains available.

Residents, community organizations and other local stakeholders will be invited to participate in outreach activities, learn about the environmental assessment process and provide input on potential reuse priorities.

The coalition will work with the Brownfields Review Advisory Committee and the community engagement consultant to guide the process, communicate with the public and incorporate community perspectives.

The grant period runs from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2030.

The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission provides planning, transportation and community development services throughout Sangamon County.

For more information, contact Lisa Peterson at Lisa.Peterson@sangamonil.gov or 217-535-3110.