The Groundwork USA Trust Act 2015 - Fall

Team Members: Lacey Gray McCarthy, Zenia Montero, Merav Cohen, Kaitlin Flahive, Erica Golin, Nicole Joseph, Sara Kaddoura, Allison Love Pace, Iara Souza Vicente

Environmental degradation and brownfield contamination disproportionately affect low-income and underserved communities, contributing to public health risks, economic decline, and social inequities. Groundwork USA operates a national network of community-based trusts focused on restoring contaminated sites, improving environmental quality, and supporting economic revitalization. Brownfields—estimated to number over 500,000 nationwide—pose significant environmental and economic challenges, but remediation has been shown to increase property values, improve neighborhood conditions, and stimulate economic development. However, limited funding and fragmented program management constrain the expansion of remediation and community revitalization efforts.

The legislation significantly expands federal support for Groundwork USA, increasing funding to establish new trusts and strengthen existing programs. The proposed implementation plan consolidates program management, improves grant distribution processes, and establishes performance metrics to enhance transparency and accountability. Expanded funding enables community-led environmental restoration, workforce development programs, and public space revitalization, generating long-term economic and social benefits. By leveraging federal investment with additional public and private funding, the program supports sustainable redevelopment and strengthens environmental justice. These efforts improve public health, stimulate economic growth, and enhance quality of life in historically underserved communities.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.