N.M. Congressional Delegation Welcomes Over $35 Million in Federal Funding for Rural Development

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), are welcoming over $35 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for rural development projects across New Mexico as part of the Administration’s Investing in America initiative. 

“As Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the USDA, I am focused on delivering the federal resources New Mexico’s rural communities need to access essential services like health care, broadband, water, and power in a rapidly changing climate. This latest investment will provide farmers, small businesses, and communities the tools they need to be resilient, strengthen our water infrastructure, improve health outcomes, and drive economic development in our state for future generations,” said Heinrich.

“From water system infrastructure to solar panel development, and even green chile plant expansion, New Mexico’s industries and infrastructure need investing to continue to grow and sustain our state,”said Luján, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “I’m glad to welcome these robust grants from the USDA that will help renovate and rehabilitate systems and industries in New Mexico. This funding will cover seven different projects each helping boost industries from different corners of our state.” 

“Our beautiful state continues to benefit from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law as the federal government makes historic investments in rural America,” said Leger Fernández. “These $35 million in federal funding for rural development projects will bring more renewable energy investments to Taos and help grow New Mexico’s rural economy. The Biden Administration has once again shown its commitment to our enchanted economy.”  

“Rural communities in New Mexico are the backbone of our economy and need support to thrive,”said Stansbury. “I am grateful to the USDA and the Biden Administration for the $35 million investment in water, healthcare, and renewable energy infrastructure, as well as small businesses in the state—even a green chile packaging plant!” 

“Investing in our rural communities will make all the difference for generations to come, and I am proud to welcome this federal investment to Santa Teresa, Deming, Truth or Consequences and Jal and across New Mexico,” said Vasquez. “Every New Mexican deserves access to health care, broadband, clean water and resilient infrastructure.” 

Below are the rural development projects that will be funded throughout New Mexico: 

• $474,739 to equip health professionals at Santa Teresa Children’s Night Clinic to deliver primary care, mental health services, women’s health services, and medically relevant education. This would benefit 14,237 individuals across Doña Ana, Socorro, and Torrance Counties  
• $200,000 to Sustainable Engineering LLC to help rural small businesses and agricultural producers throughout New Mexico apply to the Rural Energy for America Program 
• $250,000 to help 4-A Packing LLC, a local chile business in Deming, grow and expand its market and distribution area  

• $19 million in a loan guarantee to build and equip a Santa Teresa manufacturing facility operated by Louisiana Pepper Exchange, which will supply pepper mash to various food manufacturers, restaurants, and retail stores 
• $31,000 to Taos Hotel Associates to install a renewable energy system to save money and energy 
• $12.5 million in both loans and grants to rehabilitate the City of Jal’s existing wastewater treatment facility and construct additional facilities 
• $2.6 million loan to the City of Truth or Consequences to replace old water lines and reduce water loss and maintenance costs

More information related to these latest grants and loans from USDA can be found here.  

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