Heinrich, Luján Direct Millions In Funding To New Mexico Community Projects

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) announced funding they secured for local projects across New Mexico in the historic bipartisan Omnibus Appropriations Agreement for Fiscal Year 2022.

Together, Senator Heinrich, a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, and Senator Luján secured almost $160 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for more than 75 local projects in New Mexico. These projects, specifically requested by the Senators, range from $1 million for a new fire station for the Village of Questa, to nearly $1 million for New Mexico State University’s Initiative on Carbon Management and Soil Health in Arid and Semi-Arid Environments, to $1 million for Off the Grid Solar Projects at the Navajo Tribal Utility Authority, and $1 million for the Victim Intervention Project at the Albuquerque Police Department.

“We have been working hand-in-hand with communities in every corner of New Mexico to ensure that more federal dollars find their way to New Mexico. I took a proactive approach to seek out local projects that will truly have an impact on New Mexicans’ lives—everything from roads, emergency services, waste and water infrastructure for Tribal communities, support for small businesses, education opportunities, and more,” said Heinrich.

A full list of community project funding secured by Senator Heinrich is available here.

“I’m honored to welcome this historic funding bill that invests directly in New Mexico’s communities. From modernizing our roads and bridges, to combating climate change, and cutting costs for hardworking families, in addition to so much more, this bill will make a meaningful difference in New Mexicans’ everyday lives. I’m proud to have worked directly on projects that will uplift our communities while preparing them for the future," said Luján.

A full list of community project funding secured by Senator Luján is available here.

In May 2021, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced a restoration of Congress’ constitutional power to approve Congressionally Directed Spending requests with enhanced transparency and accountability measures, leading to the new process. All the Democratic members of New Mexico’s federal delegation submitted requests. More information about the process for Congressionally Directed Spending requests for Fiscal Year 2023 is available on Senator Heinrich’s website and Senator Luján’s website.

In addition to the Congressionally Directed Spending requests, the government spending package also included additional funding for New Mexico priorities.