Pueblo to receive $1 million in federal funds for neighborhood trash, debris removal

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- Trash and litter are said to be the most common citizen complaints in the city, and the officials are getting significant federal money to make a bigger dent in cleanup efforts.

The city will receive $1 million from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) to focus on trash and debris removal across town, specifically in low-income neighborhoods.

The Parks and Recreation Department will spend the money on hiring two coordinators to oversee the program, on trucks and other equipment, and on hiring around 20 part-time workers who are unemployed, homeless or low-income earners.

"We'll probably pay around $16 an hour to start off with, which is pretty good pay for picking up trash," said director Steven Meyer. "That should entice folks and we'll get a good turnout. I'm guessing we've probably had a dozen calls already today, from people asking where they can sign up -- and we haven't even posted the positions yet."

Meyer expected to do that by the end of Wednesday; he said that the program should start before the end of the year, and the money should cover at least a year's worth of work.

"After that, we're hoping we'll get support from the city budget," he said. "We'll already have the staff and equipment in place. I think that the Public Works Department gets some city funding for trash cleanup, but we don't."

The City Council voted 6-1 earlier this week for the new trash program; Councilwoman Regina Maestri explained why she was the only member opposed.

"First, this work could be better addressed with contractors who are equipped and trained to handle trash that has things like needles and excrement," she said. "Second, I didn't think the plan really fit the needs of the entire city because, unfortunately, it's been neglected for so long that the entire city needs cleanup. And third, I wonder if some of the people who get hired will jeopardize public assistance they may be receiving, by taking on extra work."

Maestri also said that some residents don't want money to be used to pay the homeless for cleaning up trash when much of it comes from homeless camps.

Residents expressed mixed reaction to the new program.

"I think it's really great," said Brittany Saiz. "I think that's awesome. I think that's maybe what we really need for this town. I think if we had more people to help clean up, maybe we can all feel better about living here."

"I would like to see some more money spent on situations like where we can keep the streets and roads smooth for Pueblo and our cars," said Schuyler Hickey.

Meyer said that the program likely will start with the cleanup of homeless camps along Fountain Creek that began last week, and a priority list of other areas will be determined later.