The Niagara Region Brownfields Coalition, which is comprised  of the Cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls and the Counties of Erie and Niagara, selected TVGA Consultants (TVGA) to serve as the manager of the U.S. EPA-funded Brownfields Showcase Community Grant.  The Showcase program is intended to promote environmental protection and restoration, economic redevelopment, job creation, community revitalization, and public health through the assessment, cleanup and sustainable reuse of brownfields.  Additionally, the program seeks to link federal, state, local and non-governmental action supporting community efforts to restore and reuse brownfields, and to develop national models demonstrating the positive results of public and private collaboration in addressing brownfield challenges.

TVGA’s responsibilities included assisting the Coalition with the implementation of the Niagara Strategic Brownfields Waterfront Plan, the goal of which is to link brownfields restoration to the economic, social and ecological restoration of the Niagara River, Buffalo River, and Eighteen Mile Creek watersheds.  TVGA’s role included the review of, and comment on the draft versions of this plan, which was completed using showcase and LWRP funds. 

On behalf of the Coalition, TVGA is also responsible for researching, identifying and pursuing funding opportunities under other state and federal grant programs, and for coordinating environmental assessment activities at priority brownfield sites within the region.  TVGA also coordinates and manages community outreach activities, liaises with other state and federal agencies, and provides administrative support relative to EPA reporting requirements under the Showcase Grant program.