Special to the News-Sun
The past year in Florida has shown a marked improvement in unemployment rates and economic growth. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has been trying to do its share to help create jobs and stimulate the economy through several different programs, one of which is the Brownfield Redevelopment Program. Within the developed areas of towns and cities across the state there are commercial and industrial sites that may have historical public health and environmental hazards.
Typically these sites are abandoned and new development expands out into areas previously untouched by urban sprawl. The Brownfield Redevelopment Act provides incentives for re-development, serving both to clean up historic environmental impacts and enhance economic opportunities for businesses and investors.
Brownfield development sites are a viable option for investors, developers, and governments because of the returns and incentives available as well as the job creation benefits for the region. The department's South District office, along with its partners have come together to bring awareness to the program and the opportunities that it provides to the community. The result of these efforts is the first South Florida Brownfield Symposium to be held March 1.
The symposium will feature speakers that will provide information regarding the program to bring awareness of its benefits to local governments, as well as developers, investors, realtors and other interested members of the community. Additionally, there will be a panel of speakers who have all had experience in cleaning up and developing Brownfield sites. These individuals will share their own experiences as well as answer questions. Another feature of the symposium will be the opportunity for local governments to present their available Brownfield sites to investors for future projects.
The symposium will take place March 1 at the Joseph P. D'Alessandro Office Complex at 2295 Victoria Ave., Fort Myers. For more information regarding the symposium contact Terry Cerullo at (239) 344-5647 or Arielle Poulos at (239) 344-5686.
The South District provides environmental permitting assistance and support to a wide variety of industries in nine counties in Southwest Florida, including the Florida Keys., by establishing and maintaining partnerships with regional businesses and business development organizations. The best of the coastal landscapes have been set aside for protection in 10 Aquatic Preserves, one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves at Rookery Bay, and The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The district also enjoys a variety of scenic waterways, including the portions of the Myakka and Peace Rivers, and the Great Calusa Blueway, and includes portions of Lake Okeechobee. The district is home to Fakahatchee Strand State Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and portions of Everglades National Park, as well as 25 state parks. For more information visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/south/ and http://www.floridastateparks.org.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013 - www.newssun.com/012713-Brownfield