The New Mexico Environment Department is set to receive a $2 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for local property assessments. Announced on May 19, the Brownfields grant aims to conduct environmental site assessments in several New Mexico communities, including Springer, the village of Cuba, Clovis and Artesia.
The funding is part of the EPA’s Brownfields program, which focuses on cleaning up potentially contaminated properties and returning them to productive reuse. According to Regional Administrator Scott Mason, the grants support both environmental protection and economic growth.
“The Brownfields program exemplifies Administrator Lee Zeldin’s goal of Powering the Great American Comeback while cleaning up contamination and supporting local economies,” Mason said. “During the Trump Administration’s first 100 Days, we listed 27 Brownfield sites as Ready for Anticipated Reuse, which allows businesses to invest in properties without the fear of potential contamination from hazardous chemicals. With these grants, we will see even more properties transform into thriving economic centers while providing a safe environment for all Americans.”
The grant will be used to conduct environmental site assessments, targeting the town of Springer, village of Cuba, city of Clovis, and city of Artesia. Priority sites include a former New Mexico DOT maintenance yard, an old transfer station, the Cozy Motel, and a lumber yard in Springer; the Saint Vincent de Paul Center, the Old Village Office Building, and the Old Credit Union Building in Cuba; the Gran Quivira Harvey House in Clovis; and the Artesia General Hospital site, an historic dry cleaner facility, and a former movie theater in Artesia.
“Brownfields projects are key to building economic prosperity in New Mexico, allowing rural and tribal communities to reclaim opportunities lost to pollution,” NMED Secretary James Kenney said. “We appreciate EPA’s collaboration in this multi-million dollar project and look forward to continuing our partnership.”
The EPA’s Brownfields Program, initiated in 1995, has provided nearly $2.9 billion in grants, leveraging over $42 billion in cleanup and redevelopment and creating more than 220,500 jobs.