WASHINGTON – The Obama administration has reached a deal on a $773 million environmental trust, the largest of its kind in U.S. history, to clean up dozens of former General Motors sites spread over 14 states.

The funds will target automotive sites containing hazardous waste left shuttered by the auto giant’s bankruptcy last year. About half of the 89 sites covered by the trust are in Michigan and others are in Indiana, New York and Ohio.

Officials said the trust fund, proposed in May, would help avoid legal fights among communities, state and federal environmental offices over liability for cleanups at different locations. About two-thirds of the properties are contaminated with hazardous materials so the trust will enable properties to be cleaned up and put on the market for sale.