WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), are welcoming nearly $43 million of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support water infrastructure upgrades all across New Mexico.
The announcement is part of the over $50 billion investment in water infrastructure upgrades from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – the largest such investment in American history. Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure.
Since 2022, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has injected nearly $175 million into water infrastructure projects in New Mexico that are protecting public health, preserving water resources, and creating jobs.
In 2023, the EPA provided the City of Socorro $7,570,000 to expand the city sewer system and remove residents from failing septic systems, which can cause pathogens and harmful substances to leak into the groundwater. The EPA also awarded the Village of Ruidoso $350,000 to upgrade the Stormwater Master Plan, which is used to address flood mitigation, drainage provision, or risk assessment practices.
“Modernizing our water infrastructure is how we create economic security and opportunity for communities in New Mexico,”said Heinrich. “I am proud to welcome this historic federal investment from the Infrastructure Law to make crucial upgrades to our wastewater systems and storm water infrastructure. Together, these investments will allow New Mexicans to protect their homes from severe weather, keep families safe and healthy, and create a solid foundation for our communities to grow.”
“In New Mexico, we know firsthand that water is life – our communities must have access to a reliable source of clean water. I’m proud to welcome this investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of more than $42 million to upgrade water infrastructure across New Mexico,” said Luján. “This historic investment will make a real difference in the lives of New Mexicans and communities in need."
“I’m excited to welcome over $42 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to rehabilitate and modernize our water infrastructure,” said Leger Fernández. “This federal investment will help communities across New Mexico access safe, clean drinking water and create jobs to preserve our water resources. Agua es vida!”
“I am so thrilled the Village of Ruidoso was awarded $350,000 from the Biden-Harris Administration for their stormwater system,” said Stansbury. “This is what investing in America truly looks like—giving communities the tools they need to make their lives better. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is reshaping communities all over New Mexico and across the country!”
"I am so proud to welcome federal funding to upgrade New Mexico’s water infrastructure, which will make all the difference for our communities,” said Vasquez. “These investments not only enhance infrastructure but lays the groundwork for cleaner, safer communities to help New Mexicans thrive."
The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds (SRF) have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America.
SRF programs are critically important programs for investing in the nation’s water infrastructure. They are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure – payment of principal and interest on loans made are available to address future needs.
For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA’s State Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, please visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.
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