Heinrich Welcomes Appointment Of Patricia Dominguez As USDA Rural Development State Director

WASHINGTON (Oct. 12, 2021) – U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is welcoming President Joe Biden’s announcement that he will appoint Patricia Dominguez to serve as the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for New Mexico.

“Patricia Dominguez has extensive experience working with rural communities in New Mexico and has a deep understanding of the issues that our state’s rural residents are confronting,” said Heinrich. “Many of our state’s rural communities continue to lack adequate infrastructure, from safe drinking and waste water systems to broadband internet and electricity. This is particularly true in parts of Indian Country and in colonias in our southern border region. I’m confident that Patricia will bring a much-needed, renewed focus to Rural Development’s essential work providing critical assistance to our communities as we work to build back better from the current public health and economic crises and invest in long-term success. I am grateful for all Patricia has done on my team and congratulate her on this new opportunity to continue serving the people of our state.”

Dominguez has served as a Field Representative in Senator Heinrich’s Santa Fe Office since 2013, where her portfolio of issues included transportation, energy, economic development, natural resources, environment and water, wildlife, and public lands. She has worked closely with rural and land grant communities throughout Northern and Central New Mexico. She was raised in a rural New Mexico community and educated at the University of New Mexico. Prior her service in Senator Heinrich’s office, Dominguez served in the office of former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman and in New Mexico state and local government.

USDA Rural Development oversees programs that help improve the economy and quality of life in rural communities. Rural Development offers loans, grants, loan guarantees, and technical assistance to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services such as housing, health care, first responder services and equipment, and water, electric, and communications infrastructure.