Albuquerque, New Mexico – The New Mexico Department of Transportation is taking over responsibility for litter removal and homeless encampment cleanups along Interstate 25 and Interstate 40 in Albuquerque after ending a longstanding agreement with the city.
According to City Chief Operating Officer Mathew Whalen, the contract had been in place since 2010 and most recently cost Albuquerque about $2 million annually. City officials say the agreement covered growing cleanup demands along the interstate corridors, including the removal of trash, graffiti, and encampments.
With the agreement ending, NMDOT will now oversee cleanup efforts on the two major highways. State transportation officials say they are developing a plan to manage the transition and maintain cleanup operations moving forward.
The change has drawn attention from business owners located near some of the affected areas, who say they hope litter collection and other cleanup efforts continue without disruption.
NMDOT says it currently spends approximately $10 million each year on litter abatement programs statewide and will incorporate the Albuquerque interstate corridors into its ongoing operations.
