Udall, Heinrich Announce Funds for Economic Development in Eastern New Mexico

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced that the Eastern Plains Council of Governments, which serves Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Quay, Roosevelt and Union counties, has been awarded $120,000 in planning investment funding from the Economic Development Administration, to support the development and implementation of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the region.

A CEDS will help the public and private sectors of the region unite to develop an economic plan for how to diversify and strengthen the local economy by identifying investment priorities and funding sources. The CEDS will allow Eastern New Mexico communities to set and implement economic goals and objectives through a framework that capitalizes on the region's unique advantages and resources, and spurs economic growth though job creation and private investment.

"Eastern New Mexico's communities face important and crucial decisions about where to make investments, such as tourism and business infrastructure, and this funding is important to the region's future," Udall said. "This grant will help Eastern New Mexico communities come together and develop a joint strategy for the entire region. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I'll keep working for resources to help the region build on that plan, open up new opportunities and strengthen communities."

"These investments will help Eastern New Mexico develop a plan to strengthen and diversify the local economy," Heinrich said. "By utilizing public and private sector partnerships, the community stands not only to spur job creation, but also improve the quality of life for residents in the area. I will continue to support these programs that encourage economic growth so our communities continue to thrive."