Federal researchers are trying to determine whether a brownfield site in Lincoln has the potential to host wind turbines in a renewable energy initiative taking place across the country.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory announced the assessment Friday, saying the Lincoln site is one of 26.

The 32-acre West Haymarket Brownfield Site was where Union Pacific Railroad fueled trains and conducted other train maintenance beginning in the late 1800s. In May 2010, Lincoln voters approved a bond measure to revitalize the site with a focus on sustainability.

The EPA is spending about $1 million nationwide, and up to $35,000 at the Lincoln site.

EPA officials say the study is the first step toward transforming the sites from eyesores to community assets.