WASHINGTON, DC -- In an effort to create green jobs and redevelop former industrial sites, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today announced that Groundwork Providence is receiving a $200,000 Brownfields job training grant to recruit and train residents from Central Falls, Pawtucket, Providence, and Woonsocket in brownfield remediation. A brownfield site is property where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.

"This unique job training program will help put more Rhode Islanders back to work and revitalize contaminated properties by restoring them to productive use. Not only will this federal investment help protect the health and well being of residents and the environment, but it will create green jobs, increase surrounding property values, and strengthen the local economy," said Reed, who wrote a letter in support of Groundwork Providence's application. In 2002 Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee which oversees federal funding for Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) programs, helped pass legislation that made this federal funding possible.

Groundwork Providence plans to train 54 students, place approximately 41 graduates in environmental jobs, and track graduates for at least one year. The training program will consist of four, 15-week, 236-hour training cycles. Graduates will receive certifications in 40-hour HAZWOPER, 10-hour OSHA construction safety, lead supervisor/contractor, asbestos supervisor/contractor, and mold remediation. Training partners include the Community College of Rhode Island, Innovative Safety Services, Inc., and industry experts.

Ongoing assessment and cleanup work at several brownfield sites are anticipated to provide a steady source of jobs for program graduates. The demand for workers trained in assessment, cleanup, and lead-safe deconstruction is expected to increase significantly during the next two years, providing job opportunities for graduates with these skills.

Groundwork Providence provides job training programs for the underemployed, undereducated, and at risk populations. The organization has graduated over 200 people who now work as led inspectors, lead asbestos and abatement specialists, hazardous waste removers, and general contractors.

EPA's Brownfields Program empowers states, communities, and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse brownfields.