WASHINGTON– U.S. Senators Judd Gregg and John Sununu (R-NH) and Congressman Jeb Bradley (R-NH) today signaled their strong support for a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for clean-up of environmental contamination in Raymond.  The property, the former Rex Leather Tannery site, has not been in use since a fire in 1972 destroyed the building on the premises.  This EPA Brownfields grant will assist the town with the cleanup of the site, specifically: site preparation and excavation; removal of hazardous soils; and several capping and filling initiatives.

Senator Gregg, who supported the Town’s application for this grant, stated, “With receipt of this grant to clean up the site of the former Rex Leather Tannery, the Town of Raymond can take the measures necessary to create healthy conditions for the Town’s residents, and also ensure that the contaminated soil at the site does not threaten the Lamprey River and surrounding natural environment. I was pleased to offer my support for the Town’s application and am delighted to learn that the EPA has recognized the critical need to assist with the cleanup efforts.  Town Manager Richard Bates and the entire Raymond community should be commended for their hard work and tireless support for this project.”

“Returning our lands to safe and productive use ultimately increases local tax revenues and helps to create jobs,” said Senator Sununu. “That is why the EPA’s Brownfields program is so important. These resources will play a tremendous role in beginning the process of returning this site to a safe and productive use in a timely and cost-efficient manner.”

Representative Bradley, who will attend the EPA announcement today in Raymond, stated, “Having written to the EPA on several occasions about this issue, I am pleased that the EPA has approved funding for cleanup and redevelopment of the former Rex Leather Tannery in Raymond. This site has been left untouched for over 30 years and the contamination on this site was diminishing the town's potential for economic development. This critical cleanup funding will allow the town to proceed with its plan to reuse the land and will enable the conservation of 200 acres of land in other parts of town.”

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