Washington, DC - Monday, the New Mexico Congressional Delegation announced that $41,625,000 in the form of both grants and loans is headed to rural communities throughout the state for water and environmental projects. The funding, made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, will be directed toward projects that will improve public health and safety in rural communities.
"Adequate infrastructure is essential for a community's wellbeing, yet it is extremely costly and often too much for its residents to bear alone. I am very glad the economic recovery package is investing millions of dollars in rural New Mexico communities, allowing them to upgrade their wastewater facilities," said Sen. Bingaman.
"Access to clean water and reliable waste water treatment systems is critical to the wellbeing of thousands of New Mexicans in each of our rural communities," said Sen. Udall. "Unfortunately, the infrastructure in many of our communities is old and deteriorating. This funding will help modernize these aging systems, and create important jobs locally at the same time."
"The nearly $19 million directed toward critical projects in Santa Rosa and Ruidoso will create jobs by putting people to work on these much needed projects that will improve the public health and safety of our communities. " said Rep. Teague
"Tucumcari and Logan will receive important funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will improve their infrastructure," said Rep. Luján. "This funding will get communities working and protect public health."
"Clean water shouldn't be considered a luxury for New Mexico's rural communities," said Rep. Heinrich. "A safe, centralized water system will greatly improve the public health and quality of life for the residents of McIntosh and Torrance County."
The funding will be distributed by the USDA Rural Development Agency in New Mexico in the form of grants and loans. The $9,775,000 allocated to Ruidoso and the $8,500,000 allocated to EMW Gas Association will both be awarded in the form of loans.
State
Project
Funding
NM
City of Santa Rosa-Wastewater Treatment Facility
$9,420,000
NM
City of Tucumcari-Wastewater Treatment/Reuse System
$8,000,000
NM
EMW Gas Assoc.-Centralized Water System Village of McInosh
$8,500,000
NM
Village of Logan-Centralized Wastewater Treatment Facility
$5,930,000
NM
Village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs- Wastewater Treatment Facility
$1,000,000
NM
Village of Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs- Wastewater Treatment Facility
$8,775,000
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