DeKalb Plans EPA Grant Application to Clean Former Salvage Site

DEKALB — The City of DeKalb plans to apply for a 2026 U.S. EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant to remediate contamination at the former Protano’s Auto Salvage site at 1151 S. Fourth Street. The city seeks the full $2.6 million available to remove hazardous lead, PCBs, VOCs, and other contaminants from shallow soil. The site, acquired in 2015 and cleared of structures in 2016, remains vacant and is located within South Fourth Street TIF District #4. Cleanup would provide a No Further Remediation letter, clearing title and liability for future redevelopment. Fehr-Graham will provide grant-writing services for $8,000, drawing on prior experience securing more than $24 million in similar funding. The council voted unanimously to proceed with the application.