AUGUSTA (AP) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is providing $3.8 million for so-called brownfield sites in Maine.

Brownfield sites are defined as property targeted for redevelopment or reuse that’s complicated by the presence of hazardous substances, pollutant or contaminants. The goal is to encourage re-development at these properties.

Maine Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Patricia Aho said removing contamination and redeveloping properties is good for the environment and “makes sense for the economy too.”

Bangor, Bath, Hancock County and Washington County Council of Governments are getting $400,000 apiece and the Northern Maine Development Commission is getting $200,000 for community assessment. Biddeford, Kittery, Belfast and Congress Street Hill Property LLC are getting $200,000 for specific projects, and the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission is getting a $1 million revolving loan fund.