The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is now accepting grant applications for solid waste management projects through April 30, 2021.  

The grant funds are available to municipalities, counties and solid waste authorities working on engineering and infrastructure improvements at landfills, transfer stations and collection centers. The grant funding may be used for engineering services, facility design and preparation of plans, environmental monitoring wells, traffic flow improvements, litter control mechanisms and other improvements. 

“Well-designed, constructed, and maintained facilities ensure solid waste is managed in a way that protects communities and the environment,” said NMED Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “The Environment Department is proud to offer such grant opportunities to county and local governments.”  

Since 2010, NMED has awarded 45 grants from the Solid Waste Facility Fund totaling over $2,600,000 in investments in communities around the state. For example, in 2018, the grant helped the City of Tucumcari purchase and install groundwater monitoring equipment at their municipal landfill, ensuring precious groundwater resources are protected from contamination.  

While no matching funds or in-kind contributions are required, NMED encourages applicants to consider leveraging funding. Entities that are ineligible for the grant are encouraged to partner with eligible entities. Grant recipients must cover project costs up front but will be reimbursed through the grant award. The revenues in the Solid Waste Facility fund are generated through penalties collected as part of the Solid Waste Bureau’s enforcement program.  

NMED offers these grants biannually, based on available funds. This year, a total of $100,000 is available to be awarded between one or multiple applicants. 

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Friday, April 30, 2021. Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis for the state fiscal year; projects must begin after July 1, 2021 and be completed by June 30, 2022. Apply here today!  

For more information about Solid Waste Facility Grant Fund grants or to discuss project ideas, contact Solid Waste Bureau Outreach Section Manager Genevieve Morgan at Genevieve.morgan@state.nm.usor (505)490-5356.