Groundwork Assessment Program (GAP)
What is GAP?
Groundwork Assessment Program (GAP) facilities environmental assessment for reuse of properties that benefit the community through greenspace, open space reuses and natural areas; affordable housing; recreational, education, community centers, day care centers; and other nonprofit facilities.
This program:
- Provides additional resources and technical assistance for nonprofit organizations to use for investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites.
- Promotes community benefit developments by nonprofit organizations by addressing actual or suspected contamination as a barrier to development.
- Permits nonprofit organizations to proceed in a timely manner with development projects.
This program contributes to neighborhood-driven community revitalization and to sustainable development and “smart growth” goals.
Why is this program needed?
Nonprofit organizations are likely to use sites which do not attract open market development, sometimes because of suspected or actual pollution, and sometimes because property values in inner city neighborhoods are not high enough for for-profit development. Nonprofit organizations often lack ability to apply for available investigation and cleanup resources. GAP literally fills a gap by making an immediate response, which can be critical for nonprofit-sponsored developments.
Who is eligible?
Any nonprofit organization or community group, and their partners, can be eligible for a site or project located within Hennepin County. In addition, agencies, organizations or firms wishing to partner with Groundwork Minneapolis on a project may be eligible.
What services can be provided
GAP can provide any services eligible for Hennepin County Environmental Response Fund support. In most cases, GAP will support technical services for investigation and assessment rather than remediation, in order to conserve funding for as many projects as possible.
What is Groundwork?
Groundwork Minneapolis is a nonprofit organization that works with Minneapolis neighborhoods to plan and implement on-the-ground improvements. Our goal is to improve the Minneapolis urban environment and enhance livability by helping Minneapolis neighborhoods convert blighted and brownfield properties into public community spaces, including parks, recreation areas and open/green space. Groundwork is an international network that helps communities build upon their existing assets to eliminate environmental poverty and become vibrant, healthy and safe places. Groundwork believes that people, places and prosperity are inextricably linked and works with partners to develop project which bring benefits to all three areas.
For more information, conact:
Karen Swenson, Executive Director,
Groundwork Minneapolis,
2200 44th Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55412.
Telephone: 612-294-0114
Fax: 612-293-3830
Email: groundwork-minneapolis@groundworkusa.net
Website: www.groundworkminneapolis.org
Downloads
- GAP Application (pdf)
- GAP Application (Microsoft Word Document)