EPA Allocates Significant Funds for Hastings Middle School Cleanup

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News Summary

Hastings, NE receives $475,000 from EPA for cleaning up hazardous materials at the abandoned Hastings Middle School.

EPA Allocates Significant Funds for Hastings Middle School Cleanup

The City of Hastings, Nebraska, has been awarded an impressive $475,000 grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aimed at the cleanup of the long-abandoned Hastings Middle School. This funding is part of the EPA’s Brownfield Assessment program, which focuses on revitalizing underused land that may be contaminated.

Selection Among National Candidates

This substantial grant was awarded as part of a competitive process that saw Hastings selected from 207 communities vying for a share of the total $224 million distributed in grant funds nationwide. The specific allocation aims to address the pressing need for remediation of hazardous materials, most notably asbestos, which has long been a concern at the former school site.

Targeting Contaminated Sites

Located at 714 W. Fifth St., the former Hastings Middle School, having been built in 1917, became victims of changing educational policies and was ultimately closed in 2008. Since its closure, the building has undergone several ownership changes and currently rests in the custody of the Community Redevelopment Authority. The presence of asbestos inside has rendered the site unusable for any renovations or repurposing efforts.

Collaboration for Clean-up

The City of Hastings, in partnership with the South Central Economic Development District, applied for the EPA grant in fall of 2024. The application was initially for a larger sum of $575,000, reflecting the city’s recognized challenges with the contamination present. With assistance from state and regional partners, they have made a strategic push towards redevelopment, aiming to breathe new life into this historical structure.

Importance of Asbestos Removal

The cleanup grant’s primary focus is to tackle the asbestos issue, which obstructs any plans for interior renovations. Removal of this dangerous material is not only crucial for ensuring safety but is also essential for future reuse of the building. The community envisions a revitalization of the school, turning a once-neglected space into an asset that enhances local development.

Next Steps for Project Execution

As part of securing the grant, a detailed work plan and budget must be submitted to the EPA by June 30. The city is committed to rapid action, intending to engage consultants within the first 30 days to ensure a streamlined process moving forward. The $475,000 grant is expected to cover the entirety of the necessary remediation costs.

Community Support and Future Vision

The mayor of Hastings has expressed a strong sense of optimism regarding this funding, highlighting the potential for placing the site back into community use. Amidst safety concerns and renovation plans, this cleanup represents a step toward revitalizing not just a building, but also the community’s heritage.

With the funding secured and plans in motion, Hastings prepares to embark on this significant redevelopment journey. The efforts to remediate the former Hastings Middle School could very well pave the way for a brighter future, leading to a community revitalization that acknowledges the past while looking forward.