WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today announced seven cities in New Mexico will receive a total of more than $2 million for economic development designed to create jobs and diversify the region's economy.
The community investments are made available through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration and will be used to establish an economic development planning framework that supports private capital investment and job creation.
Udall, a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, said, "With the economy still struggling to rebound, it is important that we invest in economic development for our communities. This funding will lay the groundwork for the creation of new jobs and a diversified economy in New Mexico."
The City of Jal will receive $1 million to renovate the city-owned Burke Industrial Complex building to expand Louisiana Energy Services (LES) to meet increased demand for uranium enrichment in the United States. The project is projected to create 30 jobs and will help develop a new industry cluster for the region, which has previously depended on ranching and oil and gas production.
All of the awarded projects will focus on developing and implementing a comprehensive economic development strategies that bring together the public and private sectors to create of an economic development roadmap for diversifying and strengthening the regional economy.
The following is a list of grant recipients:
| City of Jal | $1,000,000 | Jal |
| Northwest N.M. Council of Governments | $180,000 | Gallup |
| North Central N.M. Economic Development District | $180,000 | Santa Fe |
| South Central Council of Governments | $180,000 | Elephant Butte |
| Mid-Region Council of Governments | $180,000 | Albuquerque |
| Eastern Plains Council of Governments | $180,000 | Clovis |
| Southeastern N.M. Economic Development District | $180,000 | Roswell |
| Total | $2,080,000 |
