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1979 an investigation by MacGillis & Gibbs was initiated following a s~ill of 4,000-5,000 gallons of Copper Chromated Arsenic ("CCA"), a common wood treatment chemical solution. In 1982, MacGillis & Gibbs attempted to file for bankruptcy, and this was the first year in which property taxes became delinquent as to part of the M&G Site. In 1984, the M&G Site was placed on the National Priority List (i.e., the "Superfund" list), and the MPCA issued a Request for Response Action and used state Superfund monies to conduct initial remedial investigations and a feasibility study. In 1991, Ramsey County observed hazardous waste violations during an inspection of the MacGillis & Gibbs facility and the MPCA issued a Notice of Violation and noted other facility management problems. Also in 1992, there was a fire in the maintenance building where CCA treated lumber was dried. Over the last several years the EPA and the MPCA have determined the level of environmental degradation on the M&G Site and are preparing to award bids for cleanup of the M&G Site commencing this summer of 1997. A city over 100 years old, formerly freestanding, New Brighton's industrial areas have been dominated by now-outmoded and blighted land uses including this wood treating facility. Since the early 1980s, the City has been proactive in redeveloping various underutilized sites in the community. Because it contains some very old and very polluted sites, is criss-crossed by two major freeways and bisected by several railroad lines, the City has made determined efforts to recycle its old commercial and industrial properties, including numerous redevelopment efforts to the east and the south of the M&G Site. Reclamation of the M&G Site has been a City goal since the inception of its redevelopment efforts. The MacGillis & Gibbs operation grossly under-uses its 24-acre site. Even if MacGillis & Gibbs had paid its taxes over the previous 15 years, the taxes would have been less than those paid by moderate-cost single family homes on the same land area. In addition, the MacGillis & Gibbs property has been a blighting influence on surrounding properties. The need to reverse these conditions has led New Brighton to take action. The City initiated the purchase of a blighted commercial- industrial building that is surrounded on three sides by the M&G Site. Furthermore, the City has been working with a successful locally owned manufacturing company that is sutiated near the M&G Site and is willing to expand onto the M&G Site if it can receive the proper assurances. As a result of the City's initiative, it now appears that a portion of the M&G Site could be adequately remediated by early fall of 1997 to allow this local manufacturer to commence construction of a 140,000 square foot facility, 70,000 square feet of which would be constructed immediately and 70,000 square feet. within the next five years. This development would be the first phase of a multi-year redevelopment for the M&G Site and adjacent properties in the proposed District.