Department Policies

I.   Statement of Purpose

To provide assessment and remediation funds to eligible Applicants to achieve site remediation and retain dry cleaning business at such site.

II.   Program highlights

• Total funding per eligible Applicant, per eligible dry cleaning establishment is up to $300,000
• Additional Funds - All Applicants approved prior to the effective date of PA 05-176 may be eligible to receive additional funds of $150,000 totaling $300,000 for that site, upon meeting the program's eligibility requirements

• There shall be a two-phase application process based on the availability of funds for the current fiscal year in which the application is received
• Applications will be invited twice a year, the deadline is the last Friday of March and August that is a business day of every year by NOON
• First phase funding will be site investigation and Remedial Action Plan (RAP) preparation for up to $100,000
• Second phase will be implementation of the RAP and site remediation for up to $200,000
• An Applicant will be eligible for up to $300,000 per site
• Estimates will be provided by a Licensed Environmental Professional (LEP) and verified by DECD. DECD may obtain concurrence from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to confirm requested grant amount.
• All the site investigation phases scope of work shall be approved by DEP and/or LEP
• All required documents for DECD application approval must be submitted for funding consideration by the specified application date and time
• All sites must be registered with DEP under the Property Transfer Act or Voluntary Remediation Program (CGS 22a-133x)
• If the Applicant has already prepared a RAP or the site is undergoing remediation, and meets the above criteria, the Applicant may submit a combined application for both application phases

IV.   Funding Requirements

The process for previously approved Applicants seeking funds from the program for up to $100,000 or less and first time Applicants seeking funds for up to $100,000 or less

• All Applicants must demonstrate the need for funding for the amount being requested
• A DEP approved or LEP prepared (if LEP site) Scope of Work for respective phase is a requisite for consideration including LEP prepared estimates for these phases
• The estimates will be verified by DECD and coordinated with DEP for concurrence
• The Department may enter into a contract with the Applicant for the amount that is verified
• Applicants must take responsibility for funds above the approved grant to complete the site remediation
• If the Applicant cannot complete the project, DECD may seek reimbursement of the state funds

Previously approved Applicants seeking funds from the program for additional up to$150,000 or less and Applicants seeking funds from the program for up to $200,000 or less totaling up to $300,000

• Previously approved Applicants must demonstrate the need for additional funds above $150,000
• There must be a DEP/LEP approved RAP to substantiate the estimates, estimates must be prepared by an LEP
• The estimates will be verified by DECD and may be coordinated with DEP for concurrence
• The department may enter into a contract with the Applicant for the amount that is verified
• The payment of the funds will be based on a reimbursement basis and in accordance with DECD policies and subject to availability of program funds
• Applicant must take responsibility to complete the site remediation beyond the approved grant
• If the Applicants cannot complete the project, DECD may seek reimbursement of the state funds

V.   Review and Processing

• The Applicant will submit a completed application (an original plus one copy) within the time frame specified to DECD
• DECD will conduct a site visit as part of the application review process
• DECD coordinates with the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) and Department of Labor (DOL) regarding the Applicant’s tax status
• DECD coordinates with DEP regarding any outstanding non-compliance issues with the Applicant
• Program Manager prepares summary and recommendation on the applications received for Executive Director/Commissioner’s review and approval
• Application status letters (approval, on hold or denied) are sent out to all the Applicants
• Applicants satisfying all conditions of "hold" on conditional approved letters may be approved to commence the contracting process or placed on a priority list for future funding 
• Request for Outside Counsel is made to Attorney General’s office to prepare an Assistance Agreement between the approved Applicants and the State of Connecticut acting through DECD
• Applicants who are incorporated are required to provide DECD with a Certificate of Good Standing and a Corporate Resolution
• The Assistance Agreement is executed by the Applicant, the Commissioner, and approved as to form by the Attorney General’s office

VI.   Payment Requisition process

• Once the Assistance Agreement is approved by the Attorney General's office, the Applicant can begin submitting payment requisitions on prescribed form to DECD
• The Applicant and the Applicant’s environmental firm’s LEP executes the prescribed form and submits it to DECD
• All the back up information such as contracts, invoices, etc. must be provided with the form
• DECD reviews and approves the payment request subject to availability of program funds
• Comptroller’s/Treasurer’s office releases the check directly to the Applicant at the address provided by the Applicant

VII.   Project Compliance and Closeout

• The Applicant will comply with the requirements of the Assistance Agreement
• Semi-annual report to be submitted by the LEP of the consulting firm on behalf of the Applicant
• Applicants must submit “approval letter” from DEP or “verification letter” from LEP
• The Applicant will conduct an independent audit specific to the project within 90 days of the project completion.  The audit shall be in accordance with the DECD Audit Guide