R-26-59: Approving And Authorizing The Acceptance And Use Of Grant Funds From The State Of New Mexico Department Of Health For A Mosquito Surveillance Program And Providing An Appropriation To The Environmental Health Department In Fiscal Year 2026 And 2027 (Bassan, by request)

Description

Approving And Authorizing The Acceptance And Use Of Grant Funds From The State Of New Mexico Department Of Health For A Mosquito Surveillance Program And Providing An Appropriation To The Environmental Health Department In Fiscal Year 2026 And 2027 (Bassan, by request)

Summary

Resolution R-26-59 authorizes Albuquerque to accept $131,139 from the New Mexico Department of Health and appropriate it to the Environmental Health Department’s Operating Grants Fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The funding supports the Urban Biology Division and Vector Control Program in expanding mosquito trapping and arbovirus testing in Albuquerque, unincorporated Bernalillo County, and the East Mountains. Up to three seasonal employees may be hired, with mosquitoes identified and submitted to UNM for pathogen testing. The City will also train and assist partners in Valencia, Cibola, Sandoval, Socorro, and Torrance counties. The grant requires no local matching funds and runs through June 30, 2027. It matters because surveillance data can guide mosquito-control decisions and improve awareness of disease risks, including West Nile virus and other arboviruses.