NM Environment Dept. Awards Tire Dump Clean-Up Grants

The New Mexico Environment Department has awarded grants totaling more than $475,000 to six communities who plan to eliminate illegal tire dumps, or create or improve tire recycling programs.

The grants were announced this month by the department.

"Illegally discarded tires are a problem that needs to be addressed," said Environment Department Secretary Ron Curry in a press release. "These tires are a potential fire hazard and can provide a home for disease-bearing vectors, including mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus. These grants will help address this problem and provide solutions for New Mexico communities."

Funding for the grants came from vehicle registration fees. The program was created by the state Legislature in 1994 to address problems created by the disposal of tires at legal and illegal sites.

According to the department, since 1994, the state has distributed approximately $2.4 million in grants to support its tire recycling program.

The grants announced this month were awarded to:

Luna County, which will receive $165,000 to remedy seven illegal tire dumps and to purchase equipment needed for a permanent tire recycling facility.

The Estancia Valley Solid Waste Authority will get $107,450 to clean up seven illegal tire dumps and enhance an existing tire recycling plant.

The Sangre de Cristo Solid Waste Authority was awarded $77,500 to establish a permanent recycling facility.

The Southwest Solid Waste Authority will use $61,497 for the abatement of two illegal tire dumps as well as for the purchase of equipment to enhance an active tire recycling program.

0tero County was awarded $60,000 to refurbish a tire baller and acquire equipment to enhance an existing recycling program.

The Village of Tularosa will receive $4,500 to transport a tire pile from the village's water treatment facility to the landfill at the Otero County Transfer Station.

Priority for the grants was given to recipients who planned to clean up scrap tire dumps.