T
he City of Paragould in Arkansas has secured a $500,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to revitalize contaminated former businesses. The Brownfield Assessment Grant will focus on sites like abandoned dry cleaners and gas stations, as well as the old Paragould cotton gin. According to Grant Administrator Tara Sexton, these pollutants have made it difficult for the city to resell these properties, impacting surrounding residents and businesses.

    The grant aims to increase property values in the area by remediating contaminated sites. This will not only benefit neighboring businesses but also create jobs through construction projects. With about a dozen brownfield properties within the community, the project is expected to have a positive impact on the entire community.