Environmental Response Fund

The Environmental Response Fund (ERF) is a grant program that funds the assessment and cleanup of contaminated sites. 

ERF grants provide funding for a variety of activities at contaminated sites where the added environmental costs hinder site improvements or redevelopment. Activities funded by ERF grants include contaminated soil and groundwater assessment and cleanup as well as asbestos and lead-based paint evaluation and abatement. After clean up, properties receiving ERF grants are put to productive use as public spaces, housing, businesses and more.

To date, Hennepin County has awarded 281 ERF grants totaling more than $38.5 million.

Applying for an ERF grant

Grants are awarded semi-annually. Grant applications are due by May 1 and November 1 each year. Approximately $1 million to $2 million is distributed every grant round. 

See applying for an ERF grant for the grant application and information about project selection, eligible applicants and eligible projects.

Information for grant recipients

Grant recipients need to fill out a disbursement form and annual progress report.

See information and forms for grant recipients.

Grants awarded in January 2012

In January, the Hennepin County Board awarded 11 grants totaling $1.5 million for the evaluation and cleanup of contaminated sites. Grants were awarded to projects in Osseo, St. Louis Park, nine sites in Minneapolis and a lead-paint abatement project for residential properties throughout the county. Read about ERF grants awarded January, 2012.

Additional funding sources

Brownfield Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund

Hennepin County Environmental Services also has an EPA-funded Brownfield Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund program available to assist with the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites. A grant and loan package can be a favorable way to tackle larger projects.

Minnesota Brownfields Resource Guide

For more information about grants and loans available to help cleanup contaminated lands, see the Minnesota Brownfields Resource Guide.