News Releases from Region 06

EPA Awards over $55,500 to Revitalize Areas in Albuquerque’s South Valley

DALLAS – (Oct 11, 2016) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $55,000 to Amigos Bravos to help protect and restore urban waters in Bernalillo County, New Mexico. The grant will also support community revitalization and other local priorities.

“We continue to work with local stakeholders to take critical steps towards water protection,” said EPA regional administrator Ron Curry. “Water restoration allows residents to enjoy the environmental and recreational benefits from their local waters and surrounding lands for many years to come.”

The organization will work with an underserved community located in Albuquerque’s South Valley to address chronic flooding due to poor stormwater management. Many urban waterways have been polluted for years by sewage, runoff from city streets, and contamination from abandoned industrial facilities. Healthy and accessible urban waters can enhance economic, educational, recreational, and social opportunities in surrounding communities.

This year’s Urban Waters Grantees will inform and engage residents in stormwater management and pursue community-based plans to address pollution in waterways. The grant is a part of a $1.3 million to 22 organizations in 18 states. To accomplish these goals, many projects will reduce trash in waterways; test rivers, streams and lakes for pollutants; and prepare the next generation of environmental stewards for careers in the green economy.

The Urban Waters Small Grants are competed and awarded every two years. Since its inception in 2012, the program has awarded approximately $6.6 million in Urban Waters Small Grants to 114 organizations across the country and Puerto Rico, with individual award amounts of up to $60,000.

To learn more about the funded projects, visit /urbanwaters/urban-waters-small-grants

Information on EPA’s Urban Waters program: /urbanwaters
 

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Activities in EPA Region 6: http://www2.epa.gov/aboutepa/epa-region-6-south-central

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