In an effort to support local economic prospects in Tucson's Southside, Benson Highway corridor residents may be eligible for federal funding assistance through a federal initiative called the Brownfields Program.

Pima County’s Department of Community Development and Neighborhood Conservation is promoting the opportunity for both residential and commercial property owners to take advantage of Brownsfield Program offerings, which range from assessments and surveys to testing for lead.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) offers the funding to assist in environmental revitalization, specifically for projects that might encounter environmental obstacles for redevelopment or sale of land parcels.

Participation in a Brownfields Program is free.

The EPA defines a brownfield as "real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant." Typical brownfields consist of former gas station sites, industrial plants, junk yards or storage facilities.

Pima County, which has helped more than 60 property owners to date, will deploy teams with partnering organizations to work closely with Southside district residents, business owners, real estate professionals and lenders to fashion feasible ways of helping businesses and creating jobs.