In a celebration at Mason Station in Wiscasset May 24, the Environmental Protection Agency recognized 10 Maine communities and organizations receiving federal brownfields grants.

Against the backdrop of the coal ash ponds  Wiscasset was granted $400,000 to clean up, representatives of Maine’s Congressional delegation, the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, and the EPA spoke about the importance of the brownfields assessment and cleanup program for both environmental protection and economic development.

Over $81 million was granted nationwide this round. Maine got the most grants of any New England state, with $3.2 million in funds. Wiscasset and Hancock got multiple grants for different parcels. Twelve grants were made to 10 towns or agencies.

Besides Wiscasset, with grants totaling $400,000, and Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, with a grant of $200,000 for additional brownfield assessments, grantees included Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, $800,000; Camden, $200,000 for cleaning up the former Apollo Tannery; Greater Portland Council of Governments, $300,000; Hancock, $400,000 for cleaning up a former tannery; Kennebec Valley Council of Governments, $200,000; Portland, $200,000; Sanford, $300,000, and Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission, $200,000.

Each awardee got a large check representing the grant amount. The funds will be released later this year after conditions are met, including a bid process, a finalized work plan, and an award to the contractors.

Wiscasset hosts the event, providing chairs and refreshments. Town Manager Marian Anderson and Selectmen Judy Colby, Ben Rines Jr., Katharine Martin-Savage and Bob Blagden represented the town.