2025-2026 BROWNFIELD OPPORTUNITY AREA PROGRAM

The Department of State is soliciting applications through the New York State Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) from eligible municipalities, community-based not-for-profit organizations, and NYC Community Boards for Brownfield Opportunity Area Program funding. Funds are available for projects that establish or implement strategies for community redevelopment of areas affected by historical disinvestment, vacant and blighted properties, and the presence or potential presence of brownfields. Multiple BOA program applications are permitted, but each application must be for only one of the following grant activities:

(1) Pre-Planning: Area-wide site identification, inventory, and preliminary analysis of land use of affected areas within a county or other large geographical area to determine the presence of brownfield, vacant, underutilized and/or abandoned properties; and to further assess localized concentrations of known or suspected brownfields and other underutilized lands that may be candidates for future in-depth BOA planning and predevelopment activities. A Pre-Planning grant will not culminate in a BOA Designation.

(2) Planning: Development or update of Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Plan (Nomination), which is a plan for a neighborhood or area affected by historical disinvestment or the presence of known or suspected brownfields that will culminate in a nomination for State BOA Designation.

(3) Predevelopment Activities: Activities to complete analyses, plans and studies, or professional services to advance redevelopment within a State-Designated BOA.

(4) Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (SA) Site environmental investigation activities including sampling and chemical testing within a State-Designated BOA, which will be detailed in a Phase II ESA report

Brownfield sites are real properties where a contaminant is present at levels exceeding the soil cleanup objectives or where levels exceed other health-based or environmental standards, criteria, or guidance adopted by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation that are applicable based on the reasonably anticipated use of the property, under applicable regulations (Environmental Conservation Law, Article 27, Title 14, § 27-1405; N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs., Title 6, § 375-1.2). The presence of, or potential presence of, contamination of real property can impede investment and redevelopment, making such property an economic and environmental drain on localities. Through the New York State Department of State Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Program, the community’s capacity is enhanced to strategize for the reuse and redevelopment of brownfields, achieve economic development and improved public health objectives. BOA helps transform areas of historical disinvestment to community assets that create businesses, jobs, and revenues for local economies and encourage new housing and public amenities.