Udall, Heinrich, Torres Small Announce $7.89 Million to Upgrade and Improve Rural Water Infrastructure in Socorro

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich, along with U.S. Representative Xochitl Torres Small, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded $7,892,462 in funding to help upgrade and improve rural water infrastructure in the City of Socorro. The award, which was funded through the USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, includes $4,950,000 in low-cost loans and $2,942,462 in grants for projects that will increase access to clean water, benefitting businesses, communities, and residents across Socorro. 

According to USDA, the funding will be used to upgrade and replace interceptor sewer lines that are no longer structurally sound. The project will also replace several lift stations and upgrade other sewer lines and equipment designed to provide better service to Socorro's 9,051 residents.

“Access to clean, reliable water is fundamental to the health and prosperity of communities in Socorro and across New Mexico,” said Udall. “This major investment in water infrastructure will serve thousands of Socorro residents, helping to boost economic development and protect public health. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I’ll continue to fight for vital rural development funding to make sure that smaller communities across New Mexico have the resources they need to make necessary improvements to our water systems and ensure clean water for all.”

“In New Mexico, we know that water is life. I am proud to welcome this funding to support major water infrastructure projects in Socorro. I will continue to fight for resources, infrastructure investments, and forward-looking policies that support long-term, sustainable use of our precious and limited water resources,” said Heinrich. 

“New Mexicans depend on clean water for our food, for our communities, and for our growth. This USDA Rural Development investment will allow the City of Socorro to make much needed repairs and upgrades to their water infrastructure, improving the quality of life for thousands of residents,” said Torres Small. “Congratulations to Mayor Ravi Bhasker and the City of Socorro, I look forward to working with them on future opportunities.”

USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program provides funding for clean drinking water systems, sanitary waste disposal systems, and stormwater drainage for rural areas with 10,000 or fewer residents.