New utility trucks arrive to keep El Paso County roads cleaner, safer
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso County revealed new rural utility trucks Tuesday. U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar’s Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding helped bring three trucks to keep the county’s roads clean and quicken flood response, the county said.
Rep. Escobar submitted the project as one of her funding requests for FY2024 Community Project Funding. The county later received $550,000 to go into utility equipment.
The county said it acquired two dump trucks and one bulk waste loader grappler truck with the federal funding.
At a ribbon cutting, officials demonstrated how the new grappler truck can scoop up commonly dumped items like tires.
One of the new El Paso County dump trucks.
The trucks are expected to help mitigate hazards and threats to water ways and the water supply. Additionally, the equipment will help prevent solid waste accumulation that could lead to vermin and insect infestations, according to the county.
The trucks can also help with flood response and providing equipment for other projects in the county.
“When flooding occurs it brings down a lot of the trash and rocks and these vehicles are gonna help us with clean up,” County Commissioner Sergio Coronado said.
“Illegal dumping has long been a really persistent chronic issue,” Rep. Escobar said. “One of the things that was really needed in order to successfully execute all of those cleanups were these large dump trucks.”
County Commissioner Coronado said the Westway, Vinton, Anthony, Canutillo, Lower Valley and Far East El Paso areas suffered from illegal dumping. Rep. Escobar said places with deserted areas especially see it.
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