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NEPA ANNOUNCES A CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS FOR THE UPCOMING BROWNFIELDS CONFERENCE IN CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Release Date: 04/05/2002
Contact Information: Wesley Lambert, Office of Public Affairs, U.S. EPA, Region 4 (404) 562-8316

The United States Environmental Protection Agency, along with the Engineer=s Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and many governmental and non-governmental organizations announced today a ACall for Presentations@ for the 7th annual Brownfields Conference to be held November 13 - 15, 2002 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The conference will introduce the new and enlarged Brownfields program inspired by recently enacted federal legislation and the theme is AInvesting in the Future@. Research presentations are being solicited from all interested organizations and individuals who are concerned about brownfields redevelopment, along with new directions for federal, state and local programs. Research presentations and papers need not be limited to scientific and engineering fields, but can include community oriented research projects as well. A broad range of presentation topics is encouraged on the impacts of the law and policy, as well as best practices developed to enhance brownfields redevelopment. Panel discussions will cover legal liability, new state, local and tribal programs, financing, insurance, community involvement, land conservation, remediation research and technology, real estate transactions, and new industrial, residential and commercial development. The presentations will serve the purpose of sharing research regarding brownfields reuse success stories from around the country. The presentations can be formal (as if telling the results of a research project) or informal (as if telling the results of research relating to a site-specific experience.) The postmark deadline for submittals is May 15, 2002. The Conference is expected to draw thousands of government officials, bankers, developers, planners, attorneys, government representatives, realtors, non-profit organizations and community groups. Topics to be addressed during the conference will include redevelopment and expansion of potentially contaminated and underutilized commercial and industrial properties, along with opportunities to engage in discussions, forums and critical networking. The event will include a number of prominent speakers, as well as presentation of the prestigious Phoenix Award, which recognizes excellence and innovation in brownfields development