Brownfield Redevelopment Authority

WHAT IS IT? 
The Mason County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) utilizes Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Single Business Tax (SBT) incentives for redevelopment of eligible sites. Eligible sites are defined as contaminated, functionally obsolete or blighted.

HOW DOES IT WORK? 
The Brownfield Authority collects TIF revenues to cover the costs of demolition, environmental cleanup and/ or infrastructure improvements. TIF revenues simply defined as the difference between the pre-development and development tax amount. Developers can also apply to the State of Michigan for a 10% SBT credit, up to $1m, to recover eligible development expenses.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS? 
The Brownfield Redevelopment Authority reviews proposals for the redevelopment of eligible property (as defined above) and determines what financial incentives are necessary to assist the redevelopment. The Authority reviews project specific brownfield plans that are prepared by environmental consultants. Each brownfield plan includes the description of the eligible property, the eligible activities, the TIP and SBT approaches to be taken and other issues related to the subject parcels. The Authority then recommends to the governing body that the decision-making body hold a public hearing regarding the plan and subsequently act to approve with modifications or deny the plan. The Authority would recommend revisions to the plan as new projects are submitted or revisions are requested on existing plan projects.

THE BENEFIT: One benefit is the use of TIF funds to refund the costs of demolition, environmental and/ or infrastructure costs. The Single Business Tax credit is a significant financial incentive that increases the rate of return and reduces the risk of a development project.

AVAILABLE AREA: This program is available county wide for eligible properties. To learn more about locations for business in Mason County, click here .

CONTACT: For more information please contact the Mason County Growth Alliance. Telephone 231-845-6646