Village of Newport Awarded $479,300 for Brownfields Cleanup of Former Newport School Site

Newport, NY – November 14, 2024 – The Village of Newport has been awarded $479,300 in funding to support the cleanup and redevelopment of the former Newport School site at 7456 East Street. This includes $329,300 from the Mohawk Valley Economic Development District (MVEDD) and $150,000 from Mohawk Valley EDGE (MVEDGE), both as part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program. This program, delivered through MVEDGE and MVEDD subgrants, helps communities address environmental hazards on underutilized properties, preparing them for redevelopment and economic growth.

The funds for Newport will specifically target the remediation of the long-vacant school site, which poses environmental risks from asbestos and other contaminants. Once cleaned up, the site will be available for community-focused redevelopment, offering potential for local economic stimulation and contributing to Newport’s revitalization efforts.

“It gives me great pride to deliver hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal funding through the EPA Brownfields program to make Herkimer County communities like the Village of Newport healthier and cleaner, while creating good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer. “Thanks to this federal investment I helped secure, MV EDGE, MVEDD, and Next Herkimer County finally have the resources needed to support critical brownfields site assessment and planning work to accelerate cleanup of the Old Newport School in the Village of Newport. Soon, what was once the site of an abandoned school will be redeveloped and returned to productive use, so that it once again be a key part of the community without burdening local taxpayers.”

Mayor Marc Butler expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, stating, “I am pleased to see such strong partnership between these agencies in the Mohawk Valley. My thanks go to Michele Hummel at Next for her outstanding management and coordination, as well as to Heather Devitt at MVEDD, John Piseck from the Herkimer County IDA, and MVEDGE for their invaluable support.”

The collaborative support of MVEDGE and MVEDD underscores a shared commitment to transforming brownfields into safe, usable spaces that enhance the community and foster future growth. The demolition and cleanup of the former school are pivotal steps in addressing environmental concerns, promoting public safety, and preparing the site for potential development that will benefit the Village of Newport, Herkimer County, and the broader Mohawk Valley region.

For more information, please contact:
Mayor Marc Butler
315-845-8543
Mayor_Butler@VillageofNewportNY.org

Or

Michele Hummel
Executive Director
O. 315.864-0009
M. 315-717-4998