Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund
Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF) Pre-Applications Now Open
The City of Duluth is now accepting pre-applications for the Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (BRLF) for eligible properties located within Duluth city limits.
Funding is available citywide; however, projects located within the Priority Area identified on the map below (inside the blue boundary) will receive funding preference.
Program Overview
In 2022, the United States Environmental Protection Agency awarded the City of Duluth a $1,000,000 supplemental grant to expand and strengthen the City’s Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund program.
The BRLF program provides loans and subgrants to eligible entities for the cleanup of hazardous substances and petroleum contamination at qualifying brownfield sites within the City of Duluth.
The program is authorized under CERCLA §104(k) and administered through the City’s cooperative agreement with the EPA. Funding supports the safe cleanup, reuse, and redevelopment of contaminated properties in alignment with community planning goals, including Imagine Duluth 2035, neighborhood revitalization, housing initiatives, and protection of public health and the environment.
Before You Apply
Applicants are encouraged to review the following resources before beginning the online application:
- Program Guidelines — Learn about eligibility requirements, funding criteria, and program details.
- Brownfields Redevelopment Flowchart — Understand the cleanup and redevelopment process, including the steps required before funding can be awarded or distributed.
Funding Terms
Loans
- Fixed interest rate up to 4.0%
- Loan terms up to 20 years
- Interest-only payments for up to 24 months during active cleanup
- Collateral required, including mortgage and other security as determined through underwriting
- Minimum 20% non-federal cost share required (per CERCLA regulations enacted prior to 2023)
Subgrants
- Award amounts determined on a case-by-case basis
- Minimum 20% non-federal cost share required
Application Preparation
Before starting the online application, applicants are strongly encouraged to gather all required supporting documentation for upload. Having documents prepared in advance will help streamline the application process and reduce delays.
Attachments required within the application:
- Phase I and any Phase II ESA reports
- Remedial Action Plan (RAP) or cleanup plan
- Proposed site redevelopment plan
- Preliminary cleanup budget (identify match vs. RLF request)
- Documentation of site control (deed, purchase agreement, option)
- Any relevant correspondence with regulatory agencies
- Any site drawings, photos, or conceptual images