A coalition including the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority, the cities of Albion and the Battle Creek Community Foundation have been awarded $1.5 million to help environmental assessments.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfield Assessment program granted the funds, which will be used to perform environmental assessments over a four year period.

Additionally, it will plan activities at underutilized and potentially contaminated properties across Calhoun County.

The grant will focus on properties in and around Battle Creek and Albion. However, the grant is available throughout Calhoun County, especially those poised for future development but requires environmental review and planning to proceed, officials said.

Funds will be active from October 2024 through September 2028.

The coalition is accepting applications from property owners interested in having their sites considered for inclusion in grant activities, according to officials.

For more information about the grant, or to apply for environmental assessment assistance, click here.