Brownsfield Give Pittsburgh $11.8 Million in Grant for Asbestos Abatement

Pittsburgh Gets Asbestos Abatement Grant Via Brownsfields and EPA Browsnfields continued: So why all this effort to [[conduct asbestos abatement]] convert Pittsburgh’s environmental eyesores into sources of pride? Well, when people are proud of their communities, they are invested in each other and in the future of their neighborhoods. And this is why I think all of us are here in this room today ... we are all invested in the future environmental and economic health of Western Pennsylvania and our nation.

I have three grandchildren. They are all fairly young, but when they grow up, I want them to know that their grandfather did all he could to ensure their future. I want them to know that I did my best to hand them a country with cleaner air, water and land than when it was handed to me. I want them to know that I did all I could do to provide them a country with unlimited economic opportunities.

I believe we are here to provide the next generation with a future that is economically sound, and environmentally healthy ... and President Bush understands that a successful Brownfields program will help fulfill our mission of putting both people and property back to work.

We have seen the fruits of this commitment to the next generation in communities across the nation - and I'm pleased that Congresswoman Hart and the entire state of Pennsylvania have been meeting this challenge head-on. In order to encourage your commitment to the renewal of urban pride, since 2003, EPA has awarded a total of $11.8 million in Brownfields grant funding to Pennsylvania communities.

Today, I'd like to encourage all of you to keep up the good work and continue to build the momentum for local redevelopment. It is enormous responsibility to turn environmental eyesores back into engines of economic rebirth, and the residents of Western Pennsylvania and the Steel City will retain their unparalleled pride in their communities because of your efforts.

Thanks and I hope you have a productive conference.