Governor Tom Wolf Approves $1 Million Grant Today for Ambler Asbestos Site

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Ambler | Government ,

November 28th, 2017 | By Deana Clement

Today, Governor Tom Wolf announced a grant through the Industrial Sites Reuse Program (ISRP) that will clean up former industrial sites in Montgomery, Luzerne, and Allegheny counties to prepare them for occupation by businesses and residential properties.  The Ambler Asbestos site is one of the recipients.  Governor Wolf released this information:

“The benefits of the ISRP are twofold, not only removing harmful chemicals and contaminants from these sites and protecting our environment, but also making them ready for new occupants,” Governor Wolf said. “Having these sites ready for business is a significant attraction when companies are looking to relocate or expand here.”

The ISRP provides loans and grants for environmental assessments and remediation. The program is designed to foster the cleanup of environmental contamination at industrial sites, thereby bringing blighted land into productive reuse.

“The value of these projects is apparent when you look at what is planned for them: the development of new housing, new university space, and a nonprofit center dedicated to environmental protection,” Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin said. “The advantage of developing those facilities, rather than simply letting the toxic vacant lots sit unoccupied, is incalculable for the local communities.”

The Redevelopment Authority of the County of Montgomery (RAMC) was approved for a $1,000,000 grant for environmental remediation costs at the former Keasbey & Mattison Company manufacturing facility located in Ambler Borough, Montgomery County. The project will remediate the asbestos-contaminated 4.6-acre parcel and construct a 134,205-square-foot, 115-unit apartment building.

ISRP funds will be used for excavation and disposal of contaminated soil and asbestos-containing material, installation of geotextile fabric for ACM-free utility corridors, installation of environmental cap, testing, and inspections.