N.M. Delegation Welcomes $64 Million to Modernize, Improve Grid Infrastructure

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, 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.) welcomed $64,362,000 in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development loans to increase access to clean, affordable energy by building and improving electric infrastructure across New Mexico. 

Continental Divide Electric Coop will receive $43,362,000 to connect 1,206 consumer and build and improve 202 miles of power line.  

Lea County Electric Coop will receive $21,000,000 to connect 833 consumers and build and improve 109 miles of line. 

“Extreme weather and wildfires risk the stability of electric infrastructure across New Mexico. With so many communities relying on our electric grid, it’s critical these systems are up-to-date,” said Luján, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “I’m proud to welcome these critical USDA investments that will deliver $64 million to New Mexico to renovate over 300 miles of power line and connect over 2,000 consumers, ensuring local communicates have access to clean energy.” 

“Modernizing our energy infrastructure is how we lower costs to put more money back into the pockets of working families and small businesses owners. It’s also how we make our electric grid more resilient to withstand wildfires and extreme weather events,” said Heinrich. “I’m pleased to welcome $64 million in USDA Rural Development loans to help New Mexico’s rural electric coops modernize their grid infrastructure to provide more affordable, reliable, and clean electricity to people across our state.” 

“I’m excited to welcome this $64 million investment to New Mexico,” said Leger Fernández. “Lea County Electric Coop provides electricity to thousands of my constituents in my district. This funding from USDA will help reinforce our energy grid and save money for New Mexicans. Rural communities deserve a reliable electrical grid. We are grateful that the Biden administration is continuing to deliver billions for new projects in New Mexico.” 

“By modernizing our energy infrastructure, we are connecting thousands of New Mexicans to our power grid and improving lines for existing users,” said Stansbury. “I am grateful to the USDA for the $64 million loans that will help New Mexicans all across the state. The future is looking bright!”  

“Ensuring access to affordable, reliable energy is crucial for the well-being of our rural communities, and I’m proud to welcome this funding to lower costs for hardworking New Mexicans,” said Vasquez. “This $64 million will help modernize our electric infrastructure to bring down costs for families and small businesses across New Mexico.” 

Additional information on the Continental Divide Electric Coop and Lea County Electric Coop loans can be found here.  

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