The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's New England Office announced today that the former J.P. Stevens Mill, located at 60 East Bow Street in Franklin, NH, is one of the four abandoned, contaminated sites in New England that will be assessed as part of EPA's Brownfields program. The property is a 1.4-acre former textile mill on the Winnipesaukee River, a portion of which the town is considering developing as new town offices. This is an investment in New England's urban centers.
Suburban sprawl threatens our environmental and economic future.
Brownfields redevelopment is an example of smart economics and smart growth. I have worked for many years to promote Brownfields redevelopment and have incorporated and expanded the Brownfields Grant Program in the Superfund Reform Bill. These much needed funds will go a long way in assisting the community s goal of making economic use of this former textile mill site. The Brownfields program will help local officials turn a hazardous waste site into usable property, which will not only provide economic opportunity, but will also make Franklin a safer, cleaner community. The assessments, which are scheduled to begin by early summer, generally take several months to complete.