Grand Rapids is one of only 88 Michigan communities authorized to offer a specific tax increment financing option to help developers pay for the cleanup of a "brownfield" – an idle, under utilized or vacant industrial or commercial property where redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination, or functionally obsolete or blighted buildings.

Eligible costs for reimbursement can include demolition, asbestos abatement, due care activities, site preparation and infrastructure improvements.

In addition, the business may claim credit against their Single Business Tax for 10% of the cost of eligible investment made. Owners and operators of contaminated sites are no longer required to pay for cleanup actions (unless they caused the contamination), allowing developers to propose solutions to historical contamination based on future use of the site.

Contact: Rick Chapla, The Right Place Program @ (616) 771-0328.