EPA teams with New Mexico pueblo on green infrastructure projects

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the pueblo of Cochiti, New Mexico, have joined forces to address the area’s water needs through green infrastructure projects that will manage stormwater through vegetation, soil and natural processes.

Green infrastructure benefits communities by addressing concerns like flooding while improving the environment and maintaining open areas. The EPA is working with the pueblo of Cochiti on these projects as part of its efforts to help communities around the nation, specifically helping tribal communities on needs prioritized by their leaders. To manage these goals, the EPA coordinates resources from federal agencies and directly provides for drinking water and brownfields evaluations needs.

The pueblo of Cochiti leaders singled out flooding, drainages and drinking water systems as challenges requiring the EPA’s assistance, and the agency is mobilizing internal efforts in partnership with other federal agencies to develop sustainable solutions.

“EPA is committed to helping our tribal partners take action to reduce our environmental footprint,” Regional Administrator Ron Curry said. “We will continue to engage these important communities and tribal leadership who are working every day to build a cleaner, healthier and more prosperous future.”