The Greening of Michigan Brownfields: Creating Market Opportunities for Contaminated Land

Abstract

This paper examines the legal and economic issues that form the backdrop against which the brownfield issue is played. Not only are there legal and economic activities that hinder site reuse, but there are also legislative and financial incentives that promote brownfield redevelopment at all levels of government. Also, this paper presents models of brownfield projects that are completed or ongoing, which not only exemplify public brownfield policy, but also creative, innovative measures that some communities have taken to revitalize brownfields. These projects serve as examples of how a variety of measures can be used to overcome the barriers that prevent brownfield redevelopment.