The Environmental Protection Agency wants to help Missoula clean up contaminated work sites known as brownfields, and it is going to gave the city $850,000 to do it.

The money will help clean up areas like the Saw Mill District downtown.

Right now, the city is working with three sites, but any private land owner can identify themselves as a brownfield.

The Feds picked Missoula and 26 other states or counties.

This is the third year Missoula has received funds to help with brownfields.

Last year, the city got $900,000.

Despite the decrease, the city welcomes the money.

"850,000 dollars will go a long way to making Missoula a better place. We should be able to make a number of loans to properties or individuals or businesses that want to re-develop a property, but simply find that the cost of cleaning up pollution, asbestos, or lead paint is simply too great," said John Adams.

In 2008, the city only received $400,000.

The EPA mandates the money only be used for clean up of brownfields, and can not be used for other city services.