$280,300 In Grants Awarded To The Gilla Watershed Partnership

Steve Owens, ADEQ Director, announced a $280,300 grant has been awarded to the Gila Watershed Partnership to fund 2 water quality improvement projects in Graham & Greenlee Counties. The grant is funded with federal dollars provided to ADEQ under the Clean Water Act.

The 1st will begin the cleanup of an illegal dumpsite along the north side of the Gila River & in the river near Eden in Graham County. An estimated 6,000 tons of garbage are to be at the illegal dumpsite. The debris and garbage contain hazardous materials, oil, & grease, with significant runoff into the Gila River during & after storms. This project will require $110,500 of the funds.

The 2nd project, costing $169,800, will preserve, protect & improve water quality by reducing sediment discharge & excess organic input to the San Francisco River near Clifton in Greenlee County. Practices implemented include extending & improving road drainage, adding sediment collection boxes & ditches, & a sediment retaining wall to prevent further contamination of the San Francisco River. The project also includes an education & outreach effort to inform & educate the community.