WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-NM, marked this week's one-year anniversary of the signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act by visiting several projects in southern New Mexico that received funding from the landmark recovery legislation.
Udall began the day in Deming, where he toured the Luna County Sheriff's Department, visited an area of Spruce Street undergoing major refurbishment, and toured homes with weatherization and energy audits underway.
The senator then traveled to Lordsburg, where he toured the Lordsburg Border Patrol Station and visited with local border patrol agents.
"My visit to southern New Mexico confirms that one year after its passage, the Recovery Act continues to create jobs, fund improvements to our infrastructure, and spur economic growth. But the reality is that we've still got a long way to go," Udall said. "That's why creating jobs has been — and will continue to be — my No. 1 priority in the Senate. I will take the stories of the people I visited this week back to Washington as we begin debate of a bill to get Americans back to work."
In total, Luna County has received more than $109 million in Recovery Act funding. This includes:
- $27,818 for the Luna County Sheriff's Department through a Justice Assistance Grant for several IT enhancements including technology for a new interrogation room, night vision equipment and laptop computers for patrol cars.
- $850,000 for reconstruction of 1.5 miles of Spruce Street, the main artery through Deming's historical district. The project employs approximately 20 people and is expected to enhance economic development in the area.
- $2.3 million to the Community Action Agency (CAA) for its weatherization assistance program. Thanks to the new funding, CAA has been able to expand its program from approximately 190 homes per year to at least 393 homes this year.
Hidalgo County has received $4.5 million in Recovery Act funding.
Udall spent the afternoon in Lordsburg visiting the Border Patrol Station, where he talked with agents about the challenges they face in securing our nation's borders.
"The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol work hard to protect our national security, often with too few staff and limited resources," Udall said. "I am fighting in Washington to ensure they receive the equipment and resources they need to effectively monitor our nation's borders."
