Marfa City Council voted to authorize Mayor Manny Baeza to submit a technical assistance grant application to the North American Development Bank for planning and implementation of a new transfer station.
Marisa Quintanilla of the Rio Grande Council of Governments and Raymond Rodriguez of Lone Star Strategy Group presented the item. They said the grant would fund a feasibility study to determine whether a municipal solid waste transfer station is environmentally, financially and technically feasible for Marfa.
Baeza said the city currently spends about $800,000 to $1 million annually on waste disposal services and continues to face annual rate increases. He said a transfer station could potentially reduce long-term costs by allowing the city to operate its own collection and transportation system while coordinating with Presidio County’s proposed future landfill.
Council Member Emily Kolb asked whether the study could evaluate composting opportunities and expanded recycling. Rodriguez said those concepts could be included.
The grant includes a 10% local match requirement, with cash and in-kind contributions potentially eligible.
Council Member Travis Acreman made the motion to authorize the application and designate the mayor as authorized representative. Mayor Pro Tem Mark Cash seconded the motion, which passed 5-0.
