U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $4.4 million in American Rescue Plan grants to support Tribal communities in New Mexico as they recover from the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. These grants are funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Indigenous Communities program.
Taos Pueblo Central Management System (CMS), Taos, will receive a $2.4 million grant for utility infrastructure, roadway development, and building renovations needed to establish the Taos Pueblo Heritage Center, which will help spur Tribal workforce opportunities and boost tourism in the region.
Picuris Pueblo Indian Tribe, Penasco, will receive a $2 million grant for construction of the Picuris Pueblo Vocational Training Complex, to produce a skilled workforce and create jobs.
“Building economic opportunity for New Mexico nations, tribes and pueblos benefits everyone,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We have already pledged state support for the Taos Pueblo Heritage Center, which will create jobs and foster continued economic activity. I am grateful to see federal support for this important project and for job training at Picuris Pueblo.”
“Tribal Nations and Native communities have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m proud that these American Rescue Plan funds will provide direct support to help us recover and rebuild from the pandemic in New Mexico,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “These investments will spur tourism, support economic growth, and create good job opportunities for the Pueblos of Picuris and Taos and surrounding communities.”
These projects were made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District (NCNMEDD). EDA funds NCNMEDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov) The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.
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