When it comes to environmental remediation for brownfield sites, bigger is actually better.
"Cleanup takes cash: Big projects like the [Sacramento] railyards offer a potentially huge payday, which makes them attractive redevelopment targets and often draws public financial support. The majority of brownfields, though, are in the one- to 10-acre range, where it may be tough to earn a return on the cleanup costs... Those who have minor sites with major issues are more likely to take a 'don't ask, don't tell' stance..." Successful brownfield projects all had similar elements: (a) Remediation costs averaged 10 percent of total project cost; (b) Public subsidies averaged 20 percent of project cost; (c) Private financing was difficult to get; (d) No private remediation loans; (e) Loan-to-value ratio was generally 0.5-0.6; (f) All deals had indemnification or loan guarantee, or both.
Thanks to Alex Lantsberg
FULL STORY: In cleaning polluted sites, bigger can be easier

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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