Heinrich, Luján, Lujan Grisham Announce $4.4 Million In American Rescue Plan Funding To Boost Tourism, Workforce Training Opportunities For Pueblos Of Taos, Picuris

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham are welcoming $4.4 million in American Rescue Plan grants to support tourism and workforce opportunities for the Pueblos of Taos and Picuris.

“The American Rescue Plan has been a lifeline for Tribes and rural communities to successfully rebuild themselves after the pandemic,” said Heinrich. “I’m proud to see this historic relief package continue delivering critical investments that will strengthen infrastructure, economic, and job opportunities for the Taos and Picuris Pueblos.”

“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 Luján. “These investments will spur tourism, support economic growth, and create good job opportunities for the Pueblos of Picuris and Taos and surrounding communities.”

“Building economic opportunity for New Mexico nations, tribes and pueblos benefits everyone,” said 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.”

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the following:

• 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 Native 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.

“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments will create new opportunities for Tribal communities to diversify and grow their economies.”

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “These EDA investments will provide new sources for economic growth through tourism and job creation, spurring private investment, and improving the economic landscape in the region.”

Senators Heinrich and Luján championed the American Rescue Plan that included the Indigenous Communities program, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically to support the needs of Tribes. The program supports these partners to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future.