What happens when pollution turns into progress? 🌿
Host Nathan Stahr chats with Robbin Blackert, City Administrator of Rock Falls, about how Brownfield Grants are breathing new life into once-abandoned industrial sites. Learn how Rock Falls cleaned up hazardous land, attracted new development, and became a national model for environmental and economic renewal.
🎙️ Along the Rock — stories of transformation, community, and forward thinking.
Listen here 👉 https://theradar.online/along-the-rock-s2-ep-160-how-brownfield-grants-transform-abandoned-industrial-sites/

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🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:25 – 01:11 🏭 What Is a Brownfield?

01:11 – 02:28 ⚙️ Brownfields Across the Midwest

02:28 – 03:06 🔥 The RB&W Site Fire and Cleanup

03:06 – 04:18 🏨 Turning Cleanup into Development

04:18 – 05:24 💰 Funding the Cleanups

05:24 – 06:06 Multipurpose Grant Explained

06:06 – 07:00 🏘️ Community Input & Awareness

07:00 – 08:02 🏠 Residential Impacts & Old Gas Stations

08:02 – 09:28 🌎 Who Pays for It?

09:28 – 11:15 🚧 How Cleanup Works

11:15 – 12:18 🏆 EPA Recognition & Rapid Success

12:18 – 13:59 🗣️ Other Cities & Long-Term Progress

13:59 – 15:22 🌅 Future Development Plans

15:22 – 16:12 💧 Environmental Challenges

16:12 – 17:04 🏅 State Recognition & Looking Ahead

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