Environmental Response Fund (ERF) grants are used to fund the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites in Hennepin County.
Find information below about ERF grant requirements, how to apply, grant management, funded projects and contacts.
Requirements
ERF grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Priority is given to the following:
- Significantly contaminated sites
- Demonstrated project readiness
- Municipal and other public development projects
- Affordable housing projects where contamination issues preclude redevelopment
- Projects that promote economic development
- Infill brownfield properties or orphan sites that contribute to blight
- Other criteria include projects that incorporate sustainable features and activities in the project design, construction, and operation
Eligible applicants for ERF include municipalities, economic development agencies, housing and redevelopment authorities, other local public entities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses. ERF grants are not available to non-local government responsible parties.
ERF grants are available for the investigation and cleanup of non-petroleum contamination or petroleum-related contamination.
In addition to county funding, other sources of funding for the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites in Hennepin County may also be available. More information can be found in Minnesota Brownfields: A Resource Guide (PDF).
Applying for an ERF grant
ERF applications are open now for the Fall 2024 grant round. Applications are due November 1, 2024, at 3 p.m.
Prior to applying for an ERF grant, contact brownfields@hennepin.us to discuss your project and funding needs.
To access the Request For Proposal (RFP) and apply:
- Visit the Supplier Portal.
- You can view the separate RFPs and materials by clicking the Environmental Response Fund RFP in the Events panel on the right half of the screen.
- To apply, follow the on-screen instructions.
You will need to be registered to submit an application. For detailed instructions on how to register and submit an application, including video tutorials and more, visit the Supplier Portal information page.
Funding available
Approximately $1 – $1.2 million is distributed every grant round. Awards vary depending on the project, the amount of available grant funding and the list of applications received. No funding match is required. Grantees can start incurring costs the day after approval by the Hennepin County Board.
ERF grant recipients
Each grantee will be assigned a grant manager. Please contact your grant manager to discuss reimbursement requests associated with your grant. The following forms need to be submitted as part of your reimbursement request:
1. Download and complete a disbursement form to request grant funds.
2. Download and complete an annual progress report (DOCX).
3. City of Minneapolis sub-recipient grantees additional form – download and complete quarterly progress reports (XLSX).
To submit disbursements:
- Provide an electronic copy of the draft disbursement request and all back up information to the assigned grant manager to whom you currently submit requests. The grant manager will review the request and submit it for payment.
- Provide an electronic copy of the final signed disbursement request form, including all required backup documentation to your grant manager.
Grants awarded August 2024
In August 2024, Hennepin County awarded four grants totaling $829,905. The grants will fund soil cleanup, vapor mitigation and sampling, abatement activities, and assessment. The awards will also assist developments that increase the tax base, create or retain permanent jobs, and create and retain affordable housing.
American Boulevard Senior Living, Bloomington
$162,685 for vapor mitigation costs associated with the development of a five-story apartment complex with 128 affordable housing units, including eight project-based vouchers, and 1,500 square feet of commercial space (Grantee: 700 American LLLP) Recommended Award: $162,685
Native American Community Clinic and Housing, Minneapolis
$174,750 for soil cleanup and vapor mitigation costs associated with the redevelopment of 83 affordable housing units and a new expanded clinic building. (Grantee: City of Minneapolis on behalf of NACC and Wellington Management) Recommended Award: $137,250
Passage Community Housing, Minneapolis
$129,970 for soil vapor mitigation and sampling and lead abatement costs associated with the rehabilitation of a three-story building with approximately 17 supportive housing units. (Grantee: City of Minneapolis on behalf of Simpson Housing Services, Inc.) Recommended Award: $129,970
Minnesota Brownfields Gap Financing Program, countywide
$400,000 to continue the Brownfields Gap Financing Program, which provides small environmental grants to government entities and non-profit organizations. New this year, this program expands to include emerging developers and increases per project costs. (Grantee: Minnesota Brownfields) Recommended award: $400,000