Dayton Reporter

Congressman Mike Turner from Ohio and Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill from New Jersey have reintroduced the Brownfields Redevelopment Tax Incentive Reauthorization Act. This bipartisan bill aims to reinstate a tax incentive that expired in 2012, allowing developers to deduct the costs of environmental remediation of brownfield sites in the year they incur these expenses.

"Brownfield redevelopment is a proven tool for revitalizing communities and driving economic growth," said Congressman Turner. He highlighted his experience as Mayor of Dayton, where he transformed a brownfield into Day Air Ballpark, home to the Dayton Dragons. "This bipartisan effort showcases how communities can attract investment, and I thank Congresswoman Sherrill for her partnership."

Congresswoman Sherrill emphasized the benefits of remediating brownfields: "We can clean up toxic chemicals and waste from our groundwater, help mitigate flooding, and transform these currently unused spaces into economic opportunities." She mentioned her previous efforts in securing federal funds for Bloomfield's transformation of a brownfield site into a community park. "This tax credit will help continue our work to drive federal dollars back into New Jersey to lower costs and expand economic opportunities in our state."

Brownfields are often vacant industrial or commercial areas that remain undeveloped due to environmental contamination concerns. The original Brownfields Tax Incentive was part of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 but expired after its last extension ended on January 1, 2012.