CT DEEP Opens Round 3 of Brownfield Grants to Support Open Space and Community Redevelopment

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has launched Round 3 of its Brownfields Open Space Grant Program, continuing its efforts to transform contaminated properties into community spaces. This program helps municipalities and nonprofit organizations assess and remediate Brownfield sites for conversion into parks, trails, and other publicly accessible areas.

A Review of Round 2

The following Connecticut municipalities received funding through Round 2 of the Brownfields Open Space Grant Program to support environmental assessment and remediation efforts for community redevelopment projects.

• City of Norwich: Awarded $94,000 for environmental assessment and planning at the former Capehart Mill (6.05 acres) to prepare for redevelopment into a riverfront park.
• City of Derby: Received $156,000 to study O’Sullivan’s Island (approximately 20 acres) to improve accessibility and usability as a public park.
• City of New London: Granted $250,000 for remediation at 43 Hempstead Street (0.60 acres) to convert the property into a public park.
• City of New Haven: Awarded $250,000 to complete cleanup at 0 Gibbs Street (1.15 acres) in support of redevelopment as public open space.

What Is Included in Round 3

Round 3 introduces expanded opportunities and refined criteria for applicants. DEEP is offering up to $250,000 for assessment and $250,000 for remediation per project. Municipalities and nonprofit entities are eligible to apply, and multiple projects can be submitted under one application.

The Round 3 program prioritizes projects that:

• Convert contaminated or underused properties into public parks, greenways, or conservation areas.
• Address community health and safety by cleaning up pollution and preventing exposure.
• Improve resilience and equity, particularly in distressed or underserved municipalities.
• Demonstrate clear reuse and public benefit outcomes following remediation.

All applications are due by noon on Friday, December 5, 2025, and must include both technical and community engagement components that illustrate how the project will benefit the public.

Why Round 3 Matters

Round 3 reflects a continued state commitment to turning liabilities into community assets. These grants not only reduce environmental hazards but also revitalize neighborhoods, increase access to green space, and encourage future investment. By focusing on open space reuse, DEEP aims to connect Brownfield remediation directly to quality-of-life improvements across Connecticut.

How Walden Can Help

Walden’s environmental engineers and grant specialists can help you prepare a competitive Round 3 application by:

• Assessing site eligibility and readiness.
• Developing effective remediation and reuse plans.
• Preparing budgets, schedules, and supporting documentation.

Contact Walden at 516-744-5863 to discuss how we can support your municipality in pursuing Round 3 Brownfield funding. To learn more about Brownfield sites, download Walden’s guide to Brownfield development here.