Conservation projects in the Pecos River area got a boost this year as about $1.5 million in grants were awarded to conservation organizations in southeast New Mexico and West Texas aimed at restoring habitats and maintaining the health of the river. The Pecos Watershed Conservation Initiative, a consortium of private companies and government agencies created in 2017, released its fourth annual grant funds last week providing dollars for seven projects along the river. The funds were matched by about $3 million from participating organizations, for a total conservation impact of about $4.5 million, per a news release from the Initiative. Last year, about $1.8 million was awarded to eight projects, matched with $3.7 million for a total of about $5.5 million in funding.