[1st-mile-nm] New Mexico announces $26M in infrastructure investments for tribes

[Richard Lowenberg]

New Mexico announces $26M in infrastructure investments for tribes

By Rick Ruggles rruggles at sfnewmexican.com
Jun 25, 2021

https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/new-mexico-announces-26m-in-infrastructure-investments-for-tribes/article_e4054294-d5f4-11eb-a7c2-1b6e55a590eb.html

Nine tribal communities received a total of $26 million for 17 
infrastructure projects, the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department 
reported Friday.

The Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board awarded improvements for water 
systems, roads, buildings, wastewater treatment and other items.

This year’s awards make up the highest amount of money allocated to 
tribal communities since the program was established, the state Indian 
Affairs Department said. The Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board was formed 
in 2005.

The board evaluates proposals from tribal communities and seeks 
improvement projects that can begin immediately.

In a statement, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said she was proud her 
administration could play a role in the program.

“These funds will make a real, significant difference for families, 
workers and for economic development and quality of life on tribal land 
in New Mexico,” she said.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said: “We have a great partnership 
with the state of New Mexico, and we want to strengthen that partnership 
through the completion of these projects.”

And Mescalero Apache Tribe President Gabe Aguilar said the money to his 
community “will go toward repairing a heavily traveled and dangerous 
road that is used mainly by residents and school buses.”

In ascending order, the top 10 amounts went to Ohkay Owingeh ($1.1 
million); Santo Domingo Pueblo ($1.2 million); San Ildefonso Pueblo 
($1.4 million); Santa Clara Pueblo ($2.2 million); Taos Pueblo ($2.2 
million and another for $2.5 million); Crownpoint Chapter, Navajo Nation 
($2.6 million); To’Hajiilee Chapter, Navajo Nation ($3.6 million); Santa 
Ana Pueblo ($4 million); and Mescalero Apache Tribe ($4 million).


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Richard Lowenberg, Executive Director
1st-Mile Institute     505-603-5200
Box 8001, Santa Fe, NM 87504,
rl at 1st-mile.org     www.1st-mile.org
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