City seeking grant to fund environmental assessment of South Platte River

Denver Environmental Health and the city’s Office of Economic Development are collaborating to create a grant proposal to fund environmental assessments to encourage revitalization efforts along an 11-mile stretch of the South Platte River.

The South Platte RiverPlace initiative will help offset costs of the environmental assessments that are required as part of the initial phase of redevelopment.

"This initiative will focus on assisting riverfront property redevelopment that harmonizes with the river, leverages public/private investment occurring within the river corridor, and provides positive benefits to the community and development project," says Dave Wilmoth of the Denver Department of Environmental Health.

Environmental assessments help developers determine the environmental conditions and costs associated with clean-up efforts. After an assessment, a state-approved remediation plan ensures environmental issues are addressed before any new development occurs.

The initiative follows a 2011 area-wide study for the South Platte Corridor. The study explored possibilities for sustainable development, neighborhood revitalization, mixed-use affordable housing, smart growth and economic development in the corridor.

If you are interested in a providing input into the development of the South Platte RiverPlace Initiative or to get involved, please contact Michael Miera with the Denver Office of Economic Development or Dave Wilmoth with the Denver Department of Environmental Health.

Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.