Friday, September 1, 2006

DPNR Hosts 3rd Annual Brownfields Forum

Commissioner Dean C. Plaskett, Esq., of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that the Division of Environmental Protection will host the 3^rd Annual Virgin Islands Brownfields Forum on Thursday September 14^th, 2006 at the Carambola Beach Resort on St. Croix.  The forum themed Redevelopment: Opportunities in Reuse is designed to teach property owners, the real estate community, financiers, developers and other interested parties how contaminated and unwanted properties can be revitalized. 

The one-day Brownfields forum at the Carambola Beach Resort will feature speakers including USEPA Region II Brownfields coordinator Ramon Torres along with local Brownfields specialists.  Discussions will focus on how potential Brownfields property owners, developers, investors and financiers may participate in the VI Brownfields Program.  During the forum, Virgin Islands coordinators will also give a progress report and update on the local Brownfields initiative.   

Commissioner Plaskett said, “The VIDPNR Brownfield Initiative represents an opportunity in land reuse.” He further stated that, “Unwanted, derelict properties that are potentially contaminated can be transformed from liabilities and expenses into assets and prime development areas in our community.” 

Since its inception in 1995, EPA’s Brownfields Program has grown into a proven, results-oriented program that has changed the way contaminated property is perceived, addressed, and managed. EPA's Brownfields Program is designed to empower states, communities, and other stakeholders in economic redevelopment to work together in a timely manner to assess, safely clean, and reuse Brownfields.

Stakeholders from all levels of government, the business and financial community, realtors, developers, planners, consultants, and community leaders are invited to attend.  The forum will be held on Thursday, September 14^th at Carambola Beach Resort from 8am to 1pm. Pre-registration is required and Admission is free. Since space is limited, interested persons should pre-register with the department by Thursday, September 7.   To pre-register for the forum, contact Kysha Wallace at 774-3320 or e-mail at wallace.kysha@vidpnr-dep.org . More information on the VI Brownfield Initiative can be accessed at http://www.dpnr.gov.vi/dep/brownfields.htm