EPA awards Clean Water Act, GAP funding to support Pueblo water quality programs

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding a combined $616,009 to the Pueblo of Tesuque and the Pueblo of Taos to support environmental and water quality priorities within their respective territories. The funding is being provided through EPA’s Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP) and Clean Water Act grant programs.

“These funds represent EPA’s unwavering commitment to supporting Tribal programs,” said Regional Administrator Scott Mason in a press release. “EPA is committed to ensuring clean air, water, and land for all communities. I congratulate the Pueblo of Tesuque and the Pueblo of Taos for being awarded this funding to further develop their successful environmental programs.”

The Pueblo of Tesuque will receive $297,375 to protect and improve water quality in rivers, lakes, streams, groundwater, and other waterbodies within its lands near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Planned activities include surface water quality monitoring in accordance with Tribal Water Quality Standards, community outreach, underground storage tank compliance, and continued monitoring of surface waters.

The Pueblo of Taos will receive $318,634 to support environmental program activities across its territory in north-central New Mexico, including the headwaters of the Rio Pueblo and Rio Lucero. The funding will be used for community outreach, surface water quality monitoring, efforts to reduce nonpoint source pollution, coordination with land management activities, and continued development of the Tribal Water Quality Program.

EPA’s Indian Environmental GAP and Clean Water Act grant programs are designed to help Tribes build capacity to manage environmental protection and water quality programs and maintain critical water infrastructure.