December 22nd, 2022

Heinrich, Luján Deliver Over $273 Million In FY23 Funding For 146 New Mexico Projects

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) are delivering over $273 million in investments for 146 local projects across New Mexico through the Omnibus Appropriations Agreement for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23). The bill passed the Senate today and is expected to be voted on by the House.

The $1.7 trillion FY23 spending bill includes $772.5 billion for non-defense discretionary programs, including $118.7 billion – a 22% increase – for VA medical care, and $858 billion in defense funding. To combat the pain of inflation felt by American families across the country, the bill makes significant investments in our communities, funds critical programs that support New Mexico families, cares for our veterans, and invests in our national security.

“The Appropriations process gives us the opportunity to take community-based approaches to solving local issues. Whether it’s supplying fire engines to fire departments, investing in the electrification of homes in low-income areas, funding mental and behavioral health care facilities, securing permanent supportive housing units for homeless veterans, delivering economic development and infrastructure investments to Tribes, or providing almost $2 million for emergency responses in Las Cruces, we are fighting to improve the lives of every New Mexican. I’m proud to continue working hand-in-hand with communities, in every corner of New Mexico, to deliver these investments,” said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies. “Additionally, I am pleased we are delivering emergency assistance to Ukraine and our NATO allies, and relief for communities recovering from drought, wildfire, and other natural disasters. This bill also advances policy priorities like investing in early childhood education, keeping our promise to our veterans, and providing economic relief to New Mexico families dealing with inflation.”

“I’m honored to work alongside Senator Heinrich to secure funding for critical community projects that address our local priorities and impact New Mexicans in every corner of our state,” said Luján. “Soon, Congress will send 146 projects to the President’s desk that will uplift New Mexico communities by restoring and maintaining our acequias, expanding access to affordable housing, modernizing transportation, creating opportunities for our kids, and strengthening health care. The Senate’s ongoing bipartisan support for Congressionally Directed Spending gives agency and delivers the power of the purse back to the people.”

The bill includes $44.9 billion in emergency assistance to Ukraine and our NATO allies and $40.6 billion to assist communities across the country recovering from drought, hurricanes, flooding, wildfire, natural disasters and other matters. The levels of funding in the bill advance important, bipartisan policy priorities and provides economic relief to New Mexico families dealing with inflation.

A summary of the FY23 Appropriations bills by subcommittee is available below:

A full list of community projects that Senators Heinrich and Luján funded is below.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies

The fiscal year 2023 appropriations bill for the Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration includes discretionary funding of $25.48 billion.

Senators Heinrich and Luján announced the inclusion of a combined $4,047,000 for four local projects that include:

$2,831,000 for maintenance of the Southwest Climate Hub’s Range Management Research Unit through the USDA Agriculture Research Service’s Range Management Research Unit.
$750,000 for a new fire station for the Village of Reserve.
$266,000 for a new fire engine for the City of Belen.
$200,000 for an Animal Science Facility Lab for Hatch Valley Public Schools.

Senator Heinrich announced the inclusion of $1,981,000 in funding for six local projects that include:

$500,000 for distance learning for Western New Mexico University.
$413,000 for a new fire engine for the Village of Cuba’s Volunteer Fire Department.
$375,000 for a new fire engine for Roosevelt County’s Arch Volunteer Fire Department.
$338,000 for a new fire engine for the Rowe Volunteer Fire Department.
190,000 for a new fire engine for the City of Deming’s Fire Department.
$165,000 for a new fire engine for the Tularosa Volunteer Fire Department.

For more information on Senator Heinrich's local projects click here.

Senator Luján announced the inclusion of $175,000 for the Village of Questa for library repair.

For more information on Senator Luján’s local projects click here.

Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies

The fiscal year 2023 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Bill includes a total of $83.85 billion in discretionary funding.

Senators Heinrich and Luján announced the inclusion of a combined $4,612,000 for six local projects that include:

$2,050,000 for the City of Albuquerque’s Violence Intervention Program and Community Safety Department. The City of Albuquerque will scale up the Violence Intervention Program (VIP) and bolster its new Albuquerque Community Safety (ACS) Department.
$983,000 for the University of New Mexico’s Long Wavelength Array Technology Upgrades. The University of New Mexico will expand the Long Wavelength Array project by purchasing equipment to refresh the station electronics in the three New Mexico stations.
$485,000 for the City of Las Cruces Project LIGHT. Project LIGHT (Lessen the Incidence of Grief, Harm and Trauma) will provide a team of trauma-informed responders and providers to deploy to the field to provide care and navigation services to those experiencing a crisis and/or a behavioral health emergency.
$416,000 for Bernalillo County’s Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion. Bernalillo County’s Behavioral Health Services Department will continue its diversion program for nonviolent, drug-related offenders.
$411,000 for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety to purchase gas chromatograph equipment to strengthen the Forensic Drug Chemistry Unit’s capabilities for analyzing unknown substances including fentanyl.
$267,000 for Curry County to purchase Virtual Reality Training Simulators under Community Oriented Policing Serves Technology and Equipment.

Senator Heinrich announced the inclusion of $5,250,000 in funding for 11 local projects that include:

$1,750,000 for Southern New Mexico Regional Public Safety Equipment. The City of Las Cruces will provide updated equipment for the Las Cruces Police Department Regional Critical Response Team to respond to emergency incidents throughout southern New Mexico.
$860,000 for the Albuquerque Police Department – Cell Site Simulators (CSS). The Albuquerque Police Department will purchase two updated Cell Site Simulators (CSS), a tool used to locate and assist in apprehending violent criminals.
$600,000 for New Mexico’s Department of Public Safety’s Emergency Power Distribution for Vulnerable New Mexico State Police District Facilities Project. This funding will assist with the purchase and installation of power generators for the New Mexico State Police District facilities 8, 9, 10, and Sub-District 2 in Raton, NM.
$480,000 for Albuquerque Police Department Investigation Technology Enhancement Tools. The Albuquerque Police Department will purchase the technology tools needed to improve the speed and efficacy of criminal investigations.
$450,000 for Las Cruces Police Department Crime Deterrence Equipment. The Las Cruces Police Department will purchase camera trailers, drones, automatic license plate readers, and auto-activated car and body cameras to improve public safety and accountability.
$300,000 for the 3rd Judicial District Attorney’s Office’s Border Prosecution Division. The Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office of New Mexico will create a three-person team to focus prosecution efforts on interstate and international border crime.
$250,000 for the Children’s Safehouse Forensic Interview Program. The Children’s Safehouse will provide age-appropriate forensic interviews for children 2-18 years of age and developmentally disabled adults who have been the alleged victims of sexual or physical abuse, or who have witnessed a violent crime, and family advocates will work closely with the alleged victims’ guardians to ensure that they are provided resources and follow-up care, such as medical attention, and therapy.
$240,000 for Bernalillo County’s Metropolitan Courts' Probation Assistance Program. Bernalillo County will provide case management for defendants who have been placed on probation or the Competency Court Docket, to include linking the defendants with critical resources.
$147,000 for Jemez Pueblo Police’s In-Vehicle Cameras and Equipment. The Jemez Pueblo Police Department will purchase critical equipment needs, including in-vehicle cameras.
$113,000 for Taos Community Foundation’s Taos LEAD (Let Everyone Advance with Dignity). A diversion program that provides intensive case management for low-level, nonviolent crimes associated with substance use disorder (SUD).
$60,000 for Southwest Women’s Law Center’s American Indian/Alaskan Native Women Survivors of Domestic Violence Support Program. Southwest Women’s Law Center will provide legal support for Native American women survivors of domestic violence who reside in one of the 19 Pueblos in New Mexico.

For more information on Senator Heinrich’s local projects click here.

Senator Luján announced the inclusion of $505,000 in funding for two local projects that include:

$480,000 for Albuquerque Police Department’s Smart Camera Technology Project. Funding will be used for Smart camera technology to assist with problem solving strategies such as crime reduction, community policing, and investigations.
$25,000 for Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives. This will provide financial assistance and resources to families and communities on the Navajo Nation and in New Mexico in navigating the tragedies of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives Crisis.

For more information on Senator Luján’s local projects click here.

Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies

The Energy and Water Development fiscal year 2022 appropriations bill totals $54.65 billion in funding, $1.778 billion more than fiscal year 2022.

Senators Heinrich and Luján announced the inclusion of a combined $26,744,000 for six local projects that include:

$11,000,000 for construction of Western Rural Water New Mexico Environmental Infrastructure (US Army Corps of Engineers).
$9,600,000 for construction of acequia environmental infrastructure (US Army Corps of Engineers).
$2,000,000 for operation and maintenance of the Middle Rio Grande Endangered Species Collaborative Program (US Army Corps of Engineers).
$1,700,000 for Albuquerque Public Housing Electrification through the Albuquerque Housing Authority (DOE).
$1,600,000 for a testbed for clean energy and grid modernization at New Mexico State University (DOE).
$844,000 for New Mexico State University’s Agrivoltaics Research Program (DOE).

Senator Heinrich announced the inclusion of $250,000 in funding for one local project:

$250,000 for the electrification of homes in low-income areas in Santa Fe, New Mexico through the City of Santa Fe (DOE).

For more information on Senator Heinrich’s local projects click here.

Financial Services and General Government

The fiscal year 2023 Senate Financial Services and General Government bill provides $27.699 billion, which is $2.067 billion more than fiscal year 2022, to fund the operations of the Department of the Treasury, the Executive Office of the President, the Judiciary, the District of Columbia, and more than two dozen independent federal agencies.

Senators Heinrich and Luján announced the inclusion of a combined $1,233,000 for five local projects that include:

$500,000 for the New Mexico Department of Tourism to create a Travel Trade Co-op Program to support the travel and tourism industry.
$350,000 for the Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University to create a new business accelerator called the Agriculture Venture Center to support entrepreneurs in agriculture and food-based ventures.
$200,000 for the Minority Business Development Center (MBDC) through the Albuquerque Economic Development Department to hire two full time business advisors.
$125,000 for the New Mexico Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to continue programming to support Native American artisans in e-commerce.
$58,000 for the New Mexico Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to provide entrepreneurship training for incarcerated individuals.

Senator Heinrich announced the inclusion of $2,137,000 in funding for 10 local projects that include:

$500,000 for the National Hispanic Cultural Center to digitally archive records in their History and Literacy Arts program.
$500,000 for the University of New Mexico to conduct a Native Oral Histories Archiving Project.
$233,000 for WESST to hire a bilingual business trainers for a new center in Hobbs.
$200,000 for the Three Sisters Kitchen Manufactured Food Business Training Program to provide trainings for low-income aspiring food business entrepreneurs.
$175,000 for the Albuquerque Museum to archive their permanent collection online.
$150,000 for Northern New Mexico College to preserve and archive historical records dating back to 1909.
$135,000 for the North Fourth Art Center’s New Mexico Creative Economy Development project to provide programming for artist entrepreneurs.
$86,000 for Taos Alive to host a series of events that will provide access substance misuse prevention resources.
$80,000 WESST to hire a Project Manager for their Money Learning Lab.
$78,000 for WESST to hire a Statewide Director for their craft entrepreneurship initiatives.

For more information on these local projects click here.

Homeland Security

The fiscal year 2023 Homeland Security bill provides a total discretionary level of $60.7 billion, which is $3.2 billion more than the fiscal year 2022 enacted level.

Senators Heinrich and Luján announced the inclusion of a combined $2,500,000 for two local projects that include:

$2,000,000 for a disaster mitigation project in La Union to protect against future flooding and repair damage from a catastrophic 2021 flood.
$500,000 for a wildfire mitigation project near the federally recognized historic site of Los Luceros.

Senator Heinrich announced the inclusion of $617,000 to modernize the emergency operations center of the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

For more information on these local projects click here.

Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

The fiscal year 2023 Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies bill provides a total discretionary funding level of $40.45 billion, which is $2.45 billion more than the fiscal year 2022 level.

Senators Heinrich and Luján announced the inclusion of a combined $5,800,000 for three local projects that include:

$3,000,000 for the East Pecos Mutual Domestic Water Consumer’s Association to connect additional homes to sewer lines and centralized treatment.
$1,500,000 for the Pueblo of Santo Domingo to make improvements to their waste water infrastructure.
$1,300,000 for the City of Gallup to construct a new water well.

Senator Heinrich announced the inclusion of $5,700,000 in funding for five local projects that include:

$1,900,000 for the Village of Maxwell to upgrade their wastewater treatment system.
$1,860,000 for El Valle de Los Ranchos Water & Sanitation District to construct a sewer main.
$700,000 for the Village of Cimarron to replace water lines.
$665,000 for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to fund ethnographic studies of the L-Bar Ranch.
$575,000 for the InterTribal Buffalo Council to create a mobile buffalo meat processing unit.

For more information on Senator Heinrich's local projects click here.

Senator Luján announced the inclusion of $8,390,000 in funding for seven local projects that include:

$3,000,000 for Town of Mountainair for Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements.
$1,265,000 for Town of Springer for Water Distribution System Improvements.
$1,152,000 for the City of Las Vegas to construct a sewer rehabilitation project.
$900,000 for Town of Edgewood for a Water Quality Improvement Facility.
$800,000 for City of Santa Rosa for Water System Improvements.
$640,000 for Santa Clara Pueblo for a Water Treatment and Wastewater Facility Design.
$633,000 for Pueblo of Pojoaque for Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrades.

For more information on Senator Luján’s local projects click here.

Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies

The fiscal year 2023 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies appropriations bill includes $209.9 billion in base discretionary funding. Including spending offset by savings in changes in mandatory programs, this represents an increase of $14.8 billion or 7.1% over the comparable fiscal year 2022 level. The Omnibus also includes $4.2 billion in emergency funding to help communities recover from disasters and to support the arrival of refugees seeking relief in the United States, including from Ukraine.

Senators Heinrich and Luján announced the inclusion of a combined $18,520,000 for 13 local projects that include:

$3,000,000 for Taos County Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Treatment Center for facilities and equipment.
$3,000,000 for the University of New Mexico for imaging resources to support clinical research in disabling neurological disorders.
$3,000,000 for New Mexico Human Services Department for mental and behavioral health care training and services.
$2,200,00 for the City of Albuquerque for facilities and equipment.
$2,000,000 for the City of Albuquerque for substance use services and treatment including equipment.
$1,500,000 for The University of New Mexico to increase capacity and capability for workforce development in cybersecurity and data science in New Mexico.
$1,200,000 for the Southwest Piping Institute to equip the Arriba Empowerment Center for workforce training.
$750,000 for the New Mexico Highlands University for the development of professional social workers.
$750,000 for the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments to transition and re-skill workers into the industrial industry.
$500,000 for Western New Mexico University for the wildland fire science program.
$300,000 for The University of New Mexico for the Rural and Indigenous Teachers Pilot Program.
$200,000 for New Mexico State University Glass Family Research to build vegetable and sensory gardens that support research and outdoor education preparation for early childhood educators.
$120,000 for Children’s Reading Alliance for school readiness, including early literacy training in home and child care settings.

Senator Heinrich announced the inclusion of $8,242,000 in funding for nine local projects that include:

$2,800,000 for New Mexico Human Services Department for mobile mental health crisis response teams.
$2,000,000 for The FOCUS Clinic at the University of New Mexico for services for low-income children and families, including childcare.
$1,200,000 for Pueblo of Jemez to implement a Coordinated School Health Initiative that utilizes resources in the schools and communities.
$1,000,000 for First Nations Community HealthSource to add primary care, dental, and traditional healing services to address the unmet health needs of urban Native Americans and other underserved populations in Albuquerque.
$450,000 for Family and Youth Inc. to develop the first certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic.
$361,000 for National Indian Youth Leadership Development Project for in school and out-of-school youth development programming.
$200,000 for May Center for Learning for professional development and coaching for reading specialists.
$175,000 for The Savila Collaborative d.b.a. Centro Savila to expand and enhance trauma-informed mental health and suicide prevention services for immigrant and refugee youth in Albuquerque.
$56,000 for Grant County Detention Center to upgrade its medical facility and equipment to address substance use disorder and related health issues.

For more information on Senator Heinrich’s projects click here.

Senator Luján announced the inclusion of $3,990,000 in funding for seven local projects that include:

$2,000,000 for Santa Fe, New Mexico Collaborative for Higher Education Shared Services for a cybersecurity shared services program.
$547,000 for the City of Las Cruces for equipment.
$472,000 for La Familia Medical Center (LFMC) for facilities and equipment.
$400,000 for Pojoaque Valley School District for technology upgrades, including the purchase of equipment.
$275,000 for Albuquerque Public Schools for STEM education and agricultural science magnet school pathway, including purchase of equipment.
$250,000 for the New Mexico Community Capital for apprenticeship programs.
$46,000 for New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Abuse Programs, Inc. to prevent, provide services, or treat child abuse and neglect.

For more information on Senator Luján’s projects click here.

Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies

The Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies bill for fiscal year 2023, provides the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and related agencies $135.2 billion in non-defense discretionary funding, as well as $168.6 billion in mandatory funding, to fulfill our obligations to the nation’s veterans. This is $34 billion above fiscal year 2022 levels. The bill further provides advance appropriations for fiscal year 2024, including $128.1 billion for veterans medical care and $155.4 billion for veterans benefits. The bill also includes $19 billion in defense spending for military construction and family housing this year, which is $4.1 billion over fiscal year 2022.

Senators Heinrich and Luján announced the inclusion of a combined $126,140,000 for 16 local projects that include:

$57,000,000 for gravesite development for Albuquerque National Cemetery.
$11,160,000 for the Air Education and Training Command Pipeline Dorm at Kirtland AFB.
$8,000,000 for the Munitions Storage Area at Cannon AFB.
$6,400,000 for a Fire Station at White Sands Missile Range.
$6,400,000 for the Las Cruces Substation at White Sands Missile Range.
$5,600,000 for the fire department at Melrose Air Force Range.
$5,000,000 for the High-Speed Test Track at Holloman AFB.
$4,700,000 for the Joint Navigational Warfare Center Headquarters at Kirtland AFB.
$4,200,000 for the Apparatus Bay Fire Station 5 at Kirtland AFB.
$4,140,000 for F-16 Formal Training Unit Airfield Requirements at Holloman AFB.
$4,000,000 for the Security Forces Squad Operations Building at Cannon AFB.
$3,600,000 for a Missile Assembly Building at White Sands Missile Range.
$2,800,000 for a Small Arms Storage Facility at Kirtland AFB.
$2,000,000 for the ADAL Systems & Digital Engineering Lab and Kirtland AFB.
$600,000 for the New Mexico Army National Guard Vehicle Maintenance Shop in Rio Rancho.
$540,000 for the Explosives Operations Building for the AC-130J at Kirtland AFB.

For more information on these local projects click here.

Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

The fiscal year 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Senate Appropriations bill provides $90.955 billion, which is $9.917 billion more than fiscal year 2022. To meet the demands of a growing economy and improve the efficiency of our transportation systems, the bill provides the Department of Transportation a total of $106.349 billion in budgetary resources, $3.402 billion above fiscal year 2022. To help communities respond to the growing crisis of access to affordable housing and homeownership, the bill provides the Department of Housing and Urban Development $72.143 billion in programmatic funding for fiscal year 2023, a $6.489 billion increase above fiscal year 2022. An additional $3.8 billion is available to help communities recover from major disaster events.

Senators Heinrich and Luján announced the inclusion of a combined $16,478,000 for nine local projects that include:

$3,001,000 for the City of Albuquerque to construct the Rail Spur Trail, which will be a 2.5-mile off-street, bicycle/pedestrian trail that connects Downtown with the Sawmill District.
$3,000,000 for New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority for housing stock, housing stability and support services.
$2,900,000 for the Pueblo of Acoma to plan for the reconstruction of a 12.4 mile road located within the Pueblo’s exterior boundaries.
$2,000,000 to McKinley County to construct an industrial park on a County-owned 40-acre site.
$1,635,000 for Presbyterian Medical Services to build provider housing adjacent to the Cuba Health Center.
$1,400,000 for the Pueblo of Laguna for the K’awaika Center to consolidate the Pueblo of Laguna health, recreational, business development services, and other programs into a large master-planned complex.
$1,212,000 for the Santa Fe County Housing Authority to re-stucco 192 low-income rental units, 3 Boys and Girls Club Facilities, and 3 administrative buildings.
$1,000,000 for the New Mexico Department of Transportation to provide full-depth reclamation of existing pavement on US 84.
$330,000 for Four Winds Recovery Center to make building repairs and improvements to maximize treatment.

Senator Heinrich announced the inclusion of $12,835,000 in funding for nine local projects that include:

$3,001,000 for Rio Metro Regional Transit District to improve the existing operations and maintenance facility for the Rail Runner fleet.
$2,204,000 for the Peñasco Mutual Domestic Water Consumer Association to design and construct a new waterline to replace approximately 16,000 linear feet of old waterline.
$2,200,000 for the Mesilla Valley Public Housing Authority to develop 18 permanent supportive housing units for homeless veterans and other chronically homeless residents, and 60 to 80 affordable single-family housing units.
$1,680,000 for the Tierra del Sol Housing Corporation to plan, engineer, and construct 14 new low-income homes in Columbus.
$1,600,000 for the City of Truth or Consequences to improve their water system hydraulics by replacing and upgrading main distribution lines to increase the efficiency of the water distribution throughout the city.
$1,000,000 for A New Day Youth & Family Services for renovations to their 24-hour crisis shelter building.
$600,000 to Mesilla Valley Community of Hope to move and renovate a new space. The renovation will include turning a warehouse space into office spaces, allowing for additional space to work with clients experiencing homelessness.
$300,000 for the Taos County Economic Development Corporation to repair the Mobile Matanza mobile livestock slaughter unit support facilities for the relaunch of the program.
$250,000 for Western New Mexico University to address the need for safe corridors to access wilderness areas, outdoor recreation, and surrounding natural environments.

For more information on Senator Heinrich's local projects click here.

Senator Luján announced the inclusion of $16,945,000 in funding for thirteen local projects that include:

$4,000,000 for Taos Pueblo for the Spider Rock Road Improvement Project.
$2,635,000 for Youth Development Inc. for Homeless Youth Casa Hermosa Transitional Living.
$1,500,000 for the City of Albuquerque for the Homeless Youth Center.
$1,050,000 for McCurdy Schools of Northern New Mexico for the McCurdy Affordable Housing Project.
$1,000,000 for the New Mexico Department of Transportation for the Downtown Clovis Reconstruction Project.
$1,000,000 for the New Mexico Department of Transportation for the I-25 Comanche/Montgomery Interchanges.
$1,000,000 for the New Mexico Department of Transportation for the I-40 Corridor.
$1,000,000 for the New Mexico Department of Transportation for the NM 128 from Jal to NM 31.
$960,000 for the Tides Center for the Indigenous Farm Hub.
$750,000 for the Pojoaque Valley School District for Pojoaque Valley Teacher Housing.
$750,000 for Homewise Inc. For the Homeownership Assistance Voucher Program.
$750,000 for Albuquerque Health Care for the Homeless for the Federally Qualified Health Center Campus Expansion to Serve People Experiencing Homelessness in Bernalillo County, New Mexico.
$550,000 for the Village of Chama for Water Treatment Plant Improvements.

For more information on Senator Luján’s local projects click here.

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