City of Carlsbad receives $2M in federal funds for Double Eagle Water System work

Key improvements to the City of Carlsbad’s Double Eagle Water System moved forward after a $2 million federal grant, according to the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration (EDA).

The grant was from EDA’s American Rescue Plan’s (ARP) Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, read a news release from EDA. Passed by Congress and signed by President Joe Biden in 2021, the ARP provided $3 billion in COVID-19 relief nationwide.

The EDA investment, meant to increase local water sustainability, will be matched by $500,000 in local funds and is expected to create 200 jobs and generate $233 million in private investment, the release stated.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said water modernization was a critical step toward protecting public health and the environment of New Mexico and Carlsbad.

“These funds will support this important work in Carlsbad and create jobs in the local community, building on the work the state is doing to strengthen and expand infrastructure and climate resiliency across the state,” she said.

Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) said EDA’s grant ensured Carlsbad and surrounding communities had access to clean water and increased job opportunities.

The project was made possible by planning efforts of the Southeast New Mexico Economic Development District (SENMEDD) based in Roswell, per a news release from Lujan and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM).

“The Double Eagle Water System is critical to the long-term water security for the community of Carlsbad. I am proud to welcome these federal resources from the American Rescue Plan that will help maintain this vital water infrastructure for southeastern New Mexico,” said Heinrich.

Owned and operated by the City of Carlsbad, the Double Eagle Water System was located east of Artesia near Loco Hills and provides water for various uses, stated the City of Carlsbad’s website.

Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway welcomed the grant and said work at the Double Eagle Water System benefitted the community's future.

"We are very happy to have received this EDA grant," he said.