WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Chair of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, and Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., and Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M., Melanie Stansbury, D-N.M., and Gabe Vasquez, D-N.M., are welcoming over $35 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for rural development projects across New Mexico as part of the Administration’s Investing in America initiative.
“As Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees the USDA, I am focused on delivering the federal resources New Mexico’s rural communities need to access essential services like health care, broadband, water, and power in a rapidly changing climate. This latest investment will provide farmers, small businesses, and communities the tools they need to be resilient, strengthen our water infrastructure, improve health outcomes, and drive economic development in our state for future generations,” Heinrich said.
Below are the rural development projects that will be funded throughout New Mexico:
• $200,000 toSustainable Engineering LLC to help rural small businesses and agricultural producers throughout New Mexico apply to the Rural Energy for America Program
• $250,000 to help 4-A Packing LLC, a local chile business in Deming, grow and expand its market and distribution area
• Almost $475,000 to equip health professionals at Santa Teresa Children’s Night Clinic to deliver primary care, mental health services, women’s health services, and medically relevant education. This would benefit over 14,000 individuals across Doña Ana, Socorro, and Torrance Counties
• $19 million in a loan guarantee to build and equip a Santa Teresa manufacturing facility operated by Louisiana Pepper Exchange, which will supply pepper mash to various food manufacturers, restaurants, and retail stores
• $31,000 to Taos Hotel Associates to install a renewable energy system to save money and energy
• $12.5 million in both loans and grantsto rehabilitate the City of Jal’s existing wastewater treatment facility and construct additional facilities
• $2.6 million loan to the City of Truth or Consequences to replace old water lines and reduce water loss and maintenance costs
“From water system infrastructure to solar panel development, and even green chile plant expansion, New Mexico’s industries and infrastructure need investing to continue to grow and sustain our state,” Luján, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said. “I’m glad to welcome these robust grants from the USDA that will help renovate and rehabilitate systems and industries in New Mexico. This funding will cover seven different projects each helping boost industries from different corners of our state.”
By Sen. Martin Heinrich