The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a $500,000 grant to expedite the assessment and cleanup of brownfield sites in Raton, New Mexico. This funding is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which aims to address legacy pollution, advance environmental justice, and create healthier communities through the EPA’s Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup (MAC) Grant Programs and Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Grant Programs.
The city of Raton has been selected for a Brownfields Community-wide Assessment Grant. The grant will facilitate 12 Phase I and five Phase II environmental site assessments. Additionally, it will support the identification and prioritization of other sites, preparation of cleanup and reuse plans for priority sites as well as up to six additional sites, and community engagement activities. Priority sites include a former family-run market covering nearly one acre, a 214.5-acre former horse-racing track, and a 6.6-acre former hospital site.
“Far too many communities across America have suffered the harmful economic and health consequences of living near polluted brownfield sites,” said President Joe Biden. “I've long believed that people who’ve borne the burden of pollution should be the first to see the benefits of new investment.”
EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan added: “President Biden sees contaminated sites and blighted areas as an opportunity to invest in healthier, revitalized communities.” He emphasized that historic funding secured under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law would boost EPA’s Brownfields program to clean up contaminated properties in overburdened communities.
Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance highlighted that “EPA’s Brownfields funding helps communities of all sizes deal with the environmental and economic burden of abandoned, contaminated properties.”
U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (NM) welcomed this investment: “This funding is a win-win for New Mexico by helping the City of Raton enjoy cleaner air and a safer environment while expanding economic opportunities through renovations.”
Rep. Leger Fernández (NM-03) echoed these sentiments: "This $500,000 investment in Raton for brownfield assessment and cleanup preparation will be welcomed by all local residents."
Many economically stressed communities lack resources needed for brownfield cleanup projects. Transforming these sites into community assets can attract jobs and promote economic revitalization.
Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's $1.5 billion boost to EPA's Brownfields Program—nearly quadrupling previous yearly investments—more communities are beginning to address challenges caused by brownfields.
EPA’s Brownfields Program also supports President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative aimed at ensuring that 40% of certain Federal investments benefit disadvantaged communities affected by pollution.
For more information on EPA’s Brownfields Program or details on FY 2024 Multipurpose Assessment Cleanup applicants selected for funding visit their respective webpages.
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