WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich , along with U.S. Representatives Ben Ray Luján, Deb Haaland, and Xochitl Torres Small announced five grants totaling $1,050,000 from the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to develop effective strategies that will diversify and strengthen regional economies across New Mexico. The awards were funded through the DOC’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), and will support the development and implementation of comprehensive economic development strategies (CEDS), which are designed to bring together the public and private sectors to stimulate the economy and create jobs through regional planning. The funding, which is comprised of five $210,000 grants, is part of EDA’s annual commitment to strengthen communities, businesses, and residents in 22 New Mexico counties.
“I welcome these important federal investments, which will enable local leaders to map out a blueprint for our economic prosperity that all New Mexicans can share in,” said Udall. “Smart regional planning is essential to successful economic development, and these five groups do the necessary day-to-day work to bring together community leaders, local grassroots, and businesspeople as they work to diversify regional economies, drive innovation, and create jobs in counties across New Mexico. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I’ll continue to fight for strong federal investments that will expand job opportunities and secure economic prosperity in every corner of our state.”
“I am proud to support critical investments that help our local leaders facilitate the creation of new businesses and jobs in counties throughout the state,” said Heinrich. “I will continue fighting for federal investments that build the foundation for long-term economic growth in New Mexico.”
“These grants will bolster the innovative work happening in New Mexico by supporting partnerships in our community,” said Luján. “This is just one of the many ways to foster economic growth at the regional level and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure EDA funding remains a priority.”
“It is important for public and private sectors to work together to foster the economic conditions that entrepreneurs need to grow their businesses, however many times the resources aren’t available to promote that growth,” said Haaland. “This funding will help support the development of a roadmap so local communities can thrive.”
“Smart government invests in smart business,” said Torres Small. “These grants are essential to strengthening and revitalizing our local economies, especially in southern New Mexico’s rural communities. With these federal investments in hand, the five groups will be able to help existing business and new entrepreneurs drive innovation, create good jobs, and keep New Mexico competitive in the global economy.”
The Economic Development Administration awarded funding to the following five organizations:
— Mid Region Council of Governments (Bernalillo, Sandoval, Torrance, and Valencia Counties)
— Southeastern New Mexico Economic Development District (Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln, and Otero Counties)
— South Central Council of Governments (Doña Ana, Sierra, and Socorro Counties)
— Eastern Plains Council of Governments (Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Quay, Roosevelt, and Union Counties)
— Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments (Cibola, McKinley, and San Juan Counties)
