Brownfield redevelopment involves several different participants, starting with a property owner, developer, local brownfield redevelopment authority (BRA), local governmental agencies, councils, the DEQ and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  The table below includes a list of the potential public and private participants in the redevelopment process.
 Normally, the first step in the redevelopment process is determining what makes a property a brownfield site- is it a facility as defined by Part 201 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act 451, of 1994 as amended, or is it located in a Qualified Local Governmental Unit and is a facility, blighted or functionally obsolete, or owned by a Land Bank?

The second step in the redevelopment process is to determine the need for a cleanup.  At this point it is best to contact the district office and speak to one of the Remediation and Redevelopment Division project managers. They will be able to provide you with the relevant cleanup standards and information about liability protection.  A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) and potentially a Phase II ESA will be the initial steps in determining if a site is a facility and to meet all appropriate inquiry standards.  A Baseline Environmental Assessment might also be necessary for a new owner.

The third step is to seek out potential sources of funding for cleanup. Generally, local and county/regional incentives are available to developers of Brownfield sites, whereas state and federal incentives are available to local units of government (LUGs). Check with the local unit of government, the local brownfield authority, or the local economic development corporation first to find out what incentives they offer locally to assist with site cleanups and redevelopment investments.  If you need guidance on who to talk to first, please contact Ron Smedley, Brownfield Redevelopment Coordinator, at 517-373-4805 or at smedleyr@michigan.gov.  The Michigan Economic Development Corporation can also provide assistance with their brownfield program incentives as well as a host of other economic development tools.

 Finally, after identifying the funding sources, and receiving the appropriate authorizations, the cleanup and redevelopment work can begin.

Actors in the Redevelopment Process