University of New Mexico understands the state's water issues, the university's research vice president said in a news release this week announcing a $4 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant.
The grant was awarded during an Investing in America event at the Centennial Engineering Center’s Stamm Commons Monday to UNM's Southwest Environmental Finance Center, according to the university's news release the same day.
"UNM recognizes the critical importance of water to our state and our nation, and we are proud to be contributing to the positive legacy this investment will produce, not only in New Mexico, but across the country," UNM Vice President for Research Ellen Fisher said in the news release. "This grant will allow our researchers at Southwest Environmental Finance Center the opportunity to enhance not only our knowledge and experiences in the realm of water, but also to engage and enable others in the communities around us, ultimately contributing to their knowledge and know-how around water-related experiences."
The grant is intended to support Southwest Environmental Finance Center's environmental initiatives and programs, according to the news release. The grant came in the form of a first installment of what is expected to be $10 million in funding over five years through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support small and disadvantaged communities in developing, maintaining and operating water infrastructure.
The center is expected to offer technical assistance to such communities and systems within Region 6, helping them build financial, managerial, and technical capacity with the aim of facilitating potential infrastructure applications through state revolving funds, according to the news release.
Southwest Environmental Finance Center, part of the Center for Water and the Environment and the Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, offers services intended to promote self-reliance via innovative training. Services offered by UNM's center include tribal water operator certification, GIS mapping, asset management for green and gray infrastructure, affordability, rates studies and financial sustainability, and regulatory research and analysis.
"I can honestly say that nothing compares to what is happening now," Southwest Environmental Finance Center Director Heather Himmelberger said in the news release. "This truly is water’s moment. Never before have so many pieces come together to focus on the needs of water across the country. We have funding to invest in infrastructure, money and resources to assist communities in accessing the funds and building their technical, managerial and financial capabilities for the long term, and a commitment to provide this assistance, particularly to communities who have far too often been left behind. We are so excited to be here today celebrating the kickoff of our work in Region 6 that is part of this overall effort to improve the lives of our citizens."
Andrew Schuler, professor and director of the Center for Water and the Environment, expressed pride for the Himmelberger and the UNM center.
"The Center for Water and the Environment is so proud of Heather Himmelberger and the Southwest Environmental Finance Center for getting these latest EPA awards," Schuler said in the news release. "These substantial grants will be critical to helping small communities in our region, including in New Mexico, to get the technical assistance they need to protect public health through safe drinking water, environmental protection and other projects. The SWEFC has an outstanding track record with providing such assistance to small communities, and it’s great that the Center for Water and the Environment and UNM will be making a real difference in improving lives of New Mexicans and others in the Southwest."