University of Utah Secures $2 Million Federal Grant for Vital Environmental Restoration Projects

SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah has been awarded $2 million in grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This money will help revitalize local lands in the area.

The grants, known as Brownfields Grants, are part of a national effort by the EPA to protect the environment and public health. The University of Utah has been recognized for its work identifying pollutants, like arsenic and volatile organic compounds, at the SLC Station Center. The focus now is on cleaning the soil and groundwater affected by these contaminants.

“The Brownfields program is about turning opportunity into action,” said Cyrus Western, the Region 8 administrator for the EPA. “This funding is a smart use of resources that reflects our commitment to both economic growth and environmental responsibility.”

The university’s plans align with the Salt Lake City Community Revitalization Agency’s Rio Grande Plan. This plan aims to create underground railroad tracks and restore service to the Rio Grande Depot, which was the main rail hub in the city until 1999.

This grant is not just about cleaning up the environment; it also supports the local economy. A clean environment can boost property values and attract new businesses. In fact, a recent study found that areas cleaned up through such programs see an increase in local investments and job creation.

With this funding, the University of Utah can continue to assess Utah’s environmental health and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

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