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The Yavapai County Development Services Department is actively seeking properties that require a complimentary environmental assessment. This initiative targets buildings and land that are either vacant or abandoned across both incorporated and unincorporated areas within Yavapai County.

The effort aims to rejuvenate these properties, facilitating their transformation into useful community assets. In 2022, Yavapai County, in collaboration with the Northern Arizona Council of Governments, secured a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This funding is specifically designed to address potential environmental issues in Yavapai, Mohave, Navajo, and Coconino counties, encompassing regions like Camp Verde, Cottonwood, and more.

This grant provides free environmental assessments for selected properties, which include crucial evaluations such as:

• Investigating the property’s historical usage for possible environmental concerns.
• Conducting tests for hazardous substances like asbestos and lead paint.
• Developing cleanup plans to address any identified issues, aiding future redevelopment.

One notable aspect of this program is that property owners are not obligated to take any action based on the findings. The insights gained are intended solely for their benefit, granting them flexibility in how they proceed.

Uncertainty regarding a property’s history can hinder its sale, lease, or financing. This initiative seeks to alleviate such concerns, making properties more attractive to potential buyers and investors. Enhanced evaluations can also simplify access to funding for property owners.

The Northern Arizona Property Reuse and Redevelopment Program will continue until September 2028 or until the allocated funds are exhausted. Given that funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, property owners, developers, and community members are encouraged to submit nominations for these assessments promptly.

For more information and to nominate a property, you can visit nacog.org/brownfield-program-in-action.