Heinrich, Luján, Stansbury Welcome $1.2 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds To Boost Job Growth, Creative Economy in Albuquerque
WASHINGTON (Feb. 17, 2022) – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) are welcoming a $1.2 million American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance grant to the Keshet Dance Company, Albuquerque, New Mexico, to renovate the Keshet Ideas and Innovation Center, which is expected to create 84 jobs. The project will create additional support, services, and resources for artisans and creative-based entrepreneurs and small businesses by expanding workspaces, two makerspace studios, training, and a business resource library.
“The Keshet Dance Company in Albuquerque has always created a welcoming space for artists and audiences alike to feel both empowered and entranced by New Mexico’s unique art scene. It’s art communities like this that are the heart of our state’s creative economy. I’m proud to see investments that Democrats passed in the American Rescue Plan support local companies like Keshet to make them stronger than ever before,” said Heinrich.
“The American Rescue Plan made historic investments to create jobs for New Mexicans and get our economy back on track during the COVID-19 pandemic. This legislation is making a difference in every corner of New Mexico, and this investment in the Keshet Dance Company will empower the creative economy in Albuquerque and across the state,” said Luján. “New Mexico has long been a leader in the arts, and I will continue fighting to secure the resources that our communities need.”
“Albuquerque’s vibrant art, music, and dance scene enriches our community,” said Stansbury. “I’m grateful that the American Rescue Plan is continuing to deliver for our creative economy and support good-paying jobs and cultural institutions like Keshet Dance Company. I look forward to visiting the new makerspace and seeing the performances that Keshet shares with our community.”
This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Mid-Region Council of Governments (MRCOG). EDA funds MRCOG 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.
This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Economic Adjustment Assistance program, which makes $500 million in Economic Adjustment Assistance grants available to American communities. The Economic Adjustment Assistance program is EDA’s most flexible program, and grants made under this program will help hundreds of communities across the nation plan, build, innovate, and put people back to work through construction or non-construction projects designed to meet local needs.
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