The city of Cortez has announced that it is reapplying for a $500,000 EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant for 2025 to remove contamination found at the Cortez Municipal Airport.
The city shared that during an environmental assessment at the airport last year, “some levels of contamination” were found at airport buildings on Road F and Road G.
“None of the found contaminants are life-threatening nor causing harm to individuals using the airport or the terminal,” the city said. “Through these environmental assessments, contamination was identified at the Cortez Municipal Airport, and cleanup activities for two buildings (the former Hertz Rental Car building and the maintenance hangar building) and soil around these buildings has been recommended (for cleanup).”
All the cleanup activities are voluntary, and the grant, if acquired, would help remove the contamination. The city added that there is “no fiscal match requirement” for the grant’s 2025 cycle.
The draft of the grant application and the draft of the Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives can be viewed at City Hall, 123 Roger Smith Ave. Public comment will be received until Thursday, Nov. 14.
City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Upon completing your review, you may provide written comments to the city clerk or Helen West,” the city said.
The draft application also can be reviewed and commented upon online via ClearGov at www.tinyurl.com/Airport-Cleanup-Grant.
The city will also hold a public meeting for feedback and comments on the grant application and draft analysis. A date has not been provided, as of this writing.
In-person comments can also be provided at the next public meeting on Thursday, Nov. from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at City Hall.
