PA DEP Chief says Brownfields Redevelopment Boosts Economic Growth, Benefits Environment

Conference Today Showcases Smaller Brownfield Sites in Need of Redevelopment

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Mike Krancer spoke today to Pennsylvania Brownfields Conference attendees about the agency's recent reorganization, highlighting his and Gov. Corbett's priority to redevelop brownfield sites across Pennsylvania.

The conference, a partnership between the commonwealth and the Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania, is taking place at the Blair County Convention Center in Altoona today and Wednesday.

"Pennsylvania's industrial history creates rich opportunities for redevelopment of abandoned sites," Krancer said. "Brownfields redevelopment is a win-win because we get an economic engine, which revitalizes communities and environmental cleanup at the same time. We see that right here in Altoona."

"Our program is the best in the nation, and this conference is very timely because our agency's reorganization puts brownfields redevelopment back in the spotlight as an important policy priority in Pennsylvania," Krancer said.

This year's conference, the largest such statewide event, focuses on redevelopment of smaller brownfield sites. A "Brownfield Basics" course today provided new attendees with the fundamental concepts of brownfields redevelopment, while other sessions challenge the more seasoned brownfields practitioners. Many sessions are focused on planning and financing innovations to advance brownfield projects.

The conference includes an informative field trip today where attendees will see the impressive results of Altoona's downtown revitalization and tour a more traditional redeveloped manufacturing site, a former rail car shop in Hollidaysburg, Blair County. The tour will be followed by a networking event at the historic Railroaders Memorial Museum.

For more information, visit www.dep.state.pa.us, keyword: brownfields.

Media contact: Katy Gresh, 717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection