New Mexico Communities Awarded $800K For Recycling & Illegal Dumpsite Cleanup Projects

Submitted by Carol A. Clark
on October 17, 2022
- 7:20 am

Environment Cabinet Secretary James Kenney

NMED News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) announces the newest round of recipients, including Los Alamos, of Recycling and Illegal Dumping (RAID) grants for fiscal year 2023.

Communities, tribes and pueblos around the state – many in rural areas – received $800,000. Grant funding was spent on cleaning up illegal dumpsites, establishing composting programs, offsetting the cost of scrap tire collection and recycling, providing educational outreach on scrap tire management and illegal dumping prevention, and expanding recycling programs.

“RAID grants provide important funding that allows communities throughout New Mexico, especially those in rural areas, to improve the quality of life for their residents while protecting human health and the environment,” Environment Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said. “The diversity and creativity of projects awarded this year is both impressive and inspiring. These projects will have a positive impact across the entire state.”

“Solid waste that has been illegally dumped can pollute water, land, and air, and can lead to the spread of disease,” Solid Waste Bureau Chief Joan Snider said. “The RAID grant program not only enables communities to clean up existing sites but also supports education to prevent future dumping.”

Funding has been awarded to the following recipients:

Pueblo of Santa Ana;
City of Socorro;
Taos Pueblo;
Roosevelt County;
Santa Fe County;
North Central Solid Waste Authority;
Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority;
Village of Magdalena;
City of Clovis;
Zuni Pueblo;
Sierra County;
Village of Los Ranchos;
Los Alamos County;
Pueblo of Isleta;
City of Raton; and
Bernalillo County.

The RAID grant is made possible through a special revenue fund derived from a fee on motor vehicle registrations. Approximately $800,000 is available through the fund annually. Between 2006 and 2022, NMED awarded 353 RAID grants totaling more than $11.2 million.

The application period for the grant program is in February and March of each year. Grant recipients are selected by the 12-member RAID Alliance appointed by the Environment Cabinet Secretary.

More information on the RAID program is available here.