Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Welcome $1 Million from Infrastructure Law to Clean Up Polluted Sites in Northern New Mexico, Invest in Workforce Development

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) welcomed $1 million in grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) and the City of Ratón. This funding was made possible through the Infrastructure Law, which was passed by Democrats in the N.M. Congressional Delegation. 

Santa Fe Community College is receiving $500,000 to provide the training, skills, and certifications necessary to enter a wide range of job opportunities in the environmental profession. The City of Ratón is receiving $500,000 for assessment work at polluted sites. 

“This is an important step toward a cleaner community for the residents of Ratón and the economic development opportunities in their future,” said Heinrich. “Through my role on the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue fighting to deliver investments that will pave the way for more economic growth and healthier, safer communities across New Mexico.” 

“I am proud to announce $500,000 for the Santa Fe Community College and another $500,000 for the City of Ratón as part of President Biden’s Investing in America initiative,” said Luján. “This substantial investment will enable Santa Fe Community College to offer tuition-free training and placement opportunities, equipping students with essential skills for future employment and bolstering a skilled workforce to benefit our communities. This funding will also support the City of Ratón in conducting vital assessment work on several sites previously occupied by key community spaces, revitalizing these areas for future community use.” 

“This $1 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will not only help protect our land, but also create better-paying jobs for New Mexicans. With this funding, Santa Fe Community College will be able to provide tuition-free environmental training and prepare students for impactful climate jobs across our state. In the city of Ratón, this funding is the first step in transforming once polluted vacant properties for the local community,” said Leger Fernández. “Community investments like these make me proud that I voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.” 

The SFCC grant will support the college’s Environmental Technician Training Program, an intensive 5-week training program that provides certifications and skills for entry level job positions, including: 

• General Hazardous Waste Site Worker (HAZWOPER) (40 hours) 
• CPR and First Aid (6 hours)  
• Forklift Operator (6 hours)  
• OSHA Construction Standards (10 hours) 
• Confined Space Entry and Non-Entry Rescue (8 hours) 
• Solid Waste Management (8 hours)  
• Hazardous Waste Management (RCRA) (24 hours) 
• Phase I and Phase II Environmental Assessments (16 hours) 
• Environmental Sampling (24 hours)  
• DOT HazMat (16 hours)  
• Bloodborne Pathogens (4 hours)  
• Radiation Safety (8 hours)  

In addition to the 168 hours of training, attendees will meet with environmental employers and Department of Workforce Solutions staff to provide guidance on resume preparation and job interviewing skills. Interested applicants can find more information about the next training availability here.  

The City of Ratón’s grant will fund assessment work at polluted sites that previously housed a market, a hospital, and a horse-racing track.  

For more information on these EPA grants, click here. 

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