While the township's eastern slopes have become a hot homebuyers' market, west Millcreek has cooled economically - partly because of past industry that left some properties polluted.

The county will sink the grant money into that 135-acre area, squeezed between State Street and 300 West, to identify environmental hazards.

"The thorough assessment of west Millcreek is a big first step toward revitalization," EPA brownfields coordinator Dan Heffernan said. "This grant will generate clear information about the extent and type of contamination that exists on the site, removing a critical barrier to public and private investment."

Historically, west Millcreek was home to trucking, paving and printing companies. The community also included a cement plant.

The EPA has set aside $74 million to help communities reinvigorate properties that have been sullied by contamination.

- Jeremiah Stettler