The 2007 Phoenix Brownfields University (PBU) conference will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, at the Phoenix Convention Center West Building, 100 N. Third St.
The clean up and redevelopment of environmentally contaminated properties known as brownfields is the topic of the conference, which will feature more than 25 sessions taught by professionals from across the country.
The Phoenix Brownfields Land Recycling Program is hosting the conference which provides tools and financial resources for attendees to learn how to redevelop previously contaminated properties.
The National Brownfield Associations is pleased to announce the kickoff of its Arizona chapter, the latest state to join the cause to promote responsible redevelopment of brownfields. The Arizona chapter will celebrate its launch with an inaugural reception from 5 -7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, at the Phoenix Convention Center. Goodyear Mayor Jim Cavanaugh, Arizona chapter president, will give a short presentation on the chapter’s vision and Robert Colangelo, National Brownfield Associations chief executive officer, will address the audience, along with senior executives from the public and private sectors.
The National Brownfield Associations is a leading organization of professionals that monitor the market or make their livelihood in the brownfields industry. It provides international networking opportunities for members to meet industry leaders and exchange ideas, information and best practices.
Since Phoenix’s Brownfields Land Recycling Program began, Phoenix’s redevelopment projects have included mixed-use, office and residential developments and parks.
The Brownfields Program received $4 million from the 2006 Bond Program that will be used for the acquisition, investigation, cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties in the city. Business owners, developers, nonprofit organizations and school districts are eligible for up to $2 million in financial assistance over the next five years. The remaining funds are earmarked for public projects.
Private investment in brownfields redevelopment in the city has increased in conjunction with major Phoenix initiatives, such as downtown development, the light rail project and the Phoenix Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Project.
Numerous redevelopment opportunities exist within the city core. The brownfields program helps businesses and developers turn these blighted properties into commercially viable projects.
by Editor
Article can be found: http://www.evliving.com/cities_news.php?action=fullnews&id=6900
