WILMINGTON -- One coastal city's effort to clean up and re-purpose old, abandoned properties got another financial boost.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced Wilmington was one of 171 communities nationwide and one of eight in the state to receive grant money for its Brownfields redevelopment initiative.

The city must use the $400,000 grant to conduct environmental assessments.

"They're abandoned for a reason. Somebody has abandoned them and hasn't redeveloped them usually because of some environmental concern," said Phil Prete, a senior environmental planner for the city.

With the city digging up all the dirt on the sites, business recruiters said it's easier to attract developers.

More at source: Triad

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