SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $350,000 to New Mexico to help with the revitalization of contaminated sites that are known as brownfields. The money will go into a revolving loan fund to help the New Mexico Environment Department fund projects that are ready to get underway.
Officials pointed to the Santa Fe Railyard as an example of a successful brownfields project. The 50-acre site was purchased by the city in 1995 with the intent of redeveloping it, but development was delayed due to concerns about environmental contamination due to past operations. Following remediation, the city was able to open up the property. Now, it features shops, art galleries, a farmers market and museums.
In all, the EPA announced $15 million in supplemental brownfields funding for projects nationwide.
