Rome, Georgia Secures $2 Million EPA Grant for Battey Business Complex Cleanup

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EPA funds critical revitalization project in Floyd County through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

In a major step toward environmental revitalization, Rome Floyd County Development Authority (RFCDA) has received a $2 million Brownfields Cleanup Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The funds, officially awarded on October 5, will support cleanup efforts at the Battey Business Complex, the site of the former Battey State Hospital, which has long stood as a dormant environmental and economic liability in the community.

Federal Infrastructure Funds Pave Way for Cleanup

The EPA’s grant, part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law initiative, aims to mitigate environmental hazards at brownfield sites across the nation. Brownfields are properties where redevelopment or reuse is complicated by contamination, typically due to prior industrial or medical use. The Battey Business Complex, originally a state hospital, falls into this category due to lingering pollutants that need to be addressed before any new economic ventures can take root.

Local leaders and state officials, including Jeaneanne Gettle, EPA Region 4 Administrator, and Missy Kendrick, RFCDA President, will hold a press event and informational session at the complex on October 21 to discuss the grant and upcoming cleanup efforts. “This award is a game-changer for Rome, allowing us to transform this historically underutilized site into a new economic hub,” Kendrick remarked in a press release.

Jimmy Byars, Board Chairman of the RFCDA, emphasized the potential for business growth once the cleanup is complete. “It’s more than just an environmental win—it’s an opportunity to attract new industries to the area.”

Local Collaboration Key to Success

The project highlights collaboration between federal, state, and local leaders. Joining the EPA at Monday’s event will be Sammy Rich, Rome City Manager, Ryan Miller of VT Industries, and representatives from Senator Jon Ossoff’s office. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA EPD) will also play a pivotal role in overseeing the site’s environmental remediation.

By converting the long-abandoned Battey State Hospital property into a usable business complex, local officials aim to stimulate economic development while protecting public health. Projects like this are expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives in Georgia and beyond.

Challenges and Broader Context

However, while the grant signals progress, environmental remediation at brownfields is notoriously complex. The Battey property will require significant assessment, soil decontamination, and monitoring, all of which must meet strict federal and state standards before redevelopment begins. Some environmental advocates caution that cleanup timelines can stretch longer than initially expected.

The EPA’s focus on brownfield remediation under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law reflects a broader national priority. Nearly $1.5 billion has been allocated to restore hazardous sites, helping local economies recover while addressing environmental legacies. Communities like Rome are hopeful that with this grant, blighted properties can transition into thriving business hubs.

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