Luján Travels Across Rural New Mexico, Highlights Federal Investments and New Jobs for New Mexicans

Albuquerque, N.M. – This week, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) traveled across New Mexico to highlight federal investments for New Mexico communities. Senator Luján began the trip meeting with local leaders in Quay and Union Counties. He also spoke at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Energy Summit in Santa Fe and attended the Netflix Studios grand opening in Albuquerque.

Senator Luján met with Tucumcari Mayor Mike Cherry, Tucumcari City Manager Paula Chacon, Quay County Manager Daniel Zamora, and Quay County Chair Robert Lopez. During their meeting, Senator Luján discussed U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development opportunities available for Trigg Memorial Hospital to serve the surrounding communities. They also discussed important infrastructure improvements in the County, including $2.5 million in funding that Senator Luján secured for the county in Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) to replace a key bridge connecting rural communities.

Next, Senator Luján met with Union County Commission Chairman Clay Keisling, Union County Manager Brandy Thompson, CEO of Union County General Hospital Tammy Chavez, Clayton Mayor Ernest Chavez, Clayton Town Manager Ferron Lucero, Clayton Mayor Pro Tem Coby Beckner, and other leaders to discuss how the Senator can support these communities. Senator Luján emphasized his continued support for the Ports-to-Plains Corridor, which provides major growth opportunities for Union County, the Town of Clayton, and surrounding areas. Photos are available HERE.

“Throughout my time traveling across rural New Mexico, I continue to make it clear that these communities are never out of reach,” said Luján. “I was proud to highlight the $2.5 million that I secured for the Quay County bridge project to replace an outdated bridge and improve travel in rural New Mexico. We also discussed the progress of Trigg Memorial Project to improve the health of local communities.” 

“It was also a privilege to hear from local leaders from Union County and Clayton, and uplift the bipartisan work Congress has done to support the development and growth of the Ports-to-Plains Corridor. I was proud to deliver funding to the Town of Clayton that will lead to key upgrades to future Interstate 27 to create jobs and promote greater mobility in the region,” continued Luján. 

Senator Luján later attended the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Energy Summit in Santa Fe as a keynote speaker alongside Hispanic leaders.

“I was proud to join the Energy Summit to highlight how Hispanic communities are playing a leading role in clean energy and tackling the climate crisis. New Mexico is at the forefront of building a clean energy economy – from investing in climate resiliency to tech and innovation,” said Luján. “In Congress, I’ve introduced legislation to put us on a path forward to net-zero emissions, clean up abandoned oil and gas wells, and create new jobs. I was grateful for the conversation with Hispanic leaders.”

Later, Senator Luján attended the Netflix Studios grand opening in Albuquerque. He was joined by Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos, VP of Studio Management & Services Anne Kelly, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. 

“New Mexico’s film industry has already shown it has the capability to create iconic films and generate economic growth, and today’s ribbon-cutting will only further our leadership,” said Luján. “I look forward to seeing the incredible creations that will come from this studio and how it will benefit New Mexico for years to come.”

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