RecycleForce Nets $500,000 EPA Grant for Indianapolis Brownfield Training

RecycleForce in Indianapolis is set to receive a $500,000 Brownfields Job Training Grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a move aimed at boosting the local economy and cleaning up communities. One might say it's about time someone got around to it.

The EPA's grant aims to support brownfield site revitalisation through job training. These sites – often old industrial or commercial properties – can pose environmental and health risks. By providing job training, the EPA hopes to tackle both environmental issues and economic necessities. Or, as some cynics might put it, killing two birds with one rather hefty government-funded stone. The EPA is announcing the selection of RecycleForce in Indianapolis, Indiana, to receive $500,000 in Brownfields Job Training GrantExit EPA’s website

Anne Vogel, EPA Regional Administrator, reckons these initiatives are vital. According to her, EPA's job training programmes are a catalyst for economic revitalisation, transforming both lives and communities. She claims this support not only cleans up and repurposes brownfields, but also cultivates a skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development. Let's hope that workforce is ready to roll its sleeves up.

RecycleForce's initiative will be supported by partnerships with several local organisations. One trusts they've all had their risk assessments signed off.

Since 1998, the EPA has awarded 456 grants, totalling over $119 million, through Brownfield Job Training Programmes. These grants have enabled over 23,400 individuals to complete training, with over 17,400 being placed in land remediation and environmental health and safety careers. The average starting wage for these roles is approximately $23 per hour. Which, depending on your viewpoint, is either a decent start or barely enough to cover the bills these days.

So, another brownfield bites the dust – hopefully.