Federal dollars coming to New Mexico

U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) issued a release on Thursday outlining the many New Mexico projects the Omnibus Appropriations Agreement for Fiscal Year 2023 will fund.

The release was issued prior to passage of the appropriations bill by the House the next day.

The $1.7 trillion FY23 spending bill contains $772.5 billion for non-defense discretionary programs, a 22% increase for VA medical care and $858 billion in defense funding, the release states.

“The Appropriations process gives us the opportunity to take community-based approaches to solving local issues. Whether it’s supplying fire engines to fire departments, investing in the electrification of homes in low-income areas, funding mental and behavioral health care facilities, securing permanent supportive housing units for homeless veterans, delivering economic development and infrastructure investments to Tribes, or providing almost $2 million for emergency responses in Las Cruces, we are fighting to improve the lives of every New Mexican.” said Heinrich, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee in the release. “Additionally, I am pleased we are delivering emergency assistance to Ukraine and our NATO allies, and relief for communities recovering from drought, wildfire, and other natural disasters. This bill also advances policy priorities like investing in early childhood education, keeping our promise to our veterans, and providing economic relief to New Mexico families dealing with inflation.”

“I’m honored to work alongside Senator Heinrich to secure funding for critical community projects that address our local priorities and impact New Mexicans in every corner of our state,” said Senator Luján in the release. “Soon, Congress will send 146 projects to the President’s desk that will uplift New Mexico communities by restoring and maintaining our acequias, expanding access to affordable housing, modernizing transportation, creating opportunities for our kids, and strengthening health care.”

The bill includes $40.6 billion to help communities across the country recovering from drought, hurricanes, flooding, wildfire and natural disasters, and “provides economic relief to New Mexico families dealing with inflation,” as stated in the release.

Congresswoman Leger Fernández issued a release on the 2023 appropriations bill on Friday.

“The funding bill we passed today is an investment in our future and in a more prosperous New Mexico. I was pleased to secure $23.55 million in Community Project Funding in this bill that meets long overdue needs in our beautiful 3rd District,” said Rep. Leger Fernández in the release. “These investments make us safer, offer care for those suffering from addiction, build affordable housing, improve our water resources, and strengthen our communities. From Chama to Curry County and Shiprock to Santa Fe, we are making sure no dime is left in Washington that can be put to good use in our communities.

“The bill honors my requests to provide advanced appropriations for the Indian Health Service so essential health services are not disrupted; it expands technical assistance for those applying for broadband grants so rural communities can access these needed funds; and it funds acequia infrastructure. I helped secure $15 million for dam and reservoir projects in my district and tens of millions more for water projects that will benefit all of New Mexico. Importantly, the bill also provides $1.45 billion to help our neighbors recover from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire. These investments coupled with resources for Los Alamos National Laboratory, our schools, health care, and veterans will lay the groundwork for our communities to thrive. Because we know that New Mexico must expand its economic base, the bill includes funds to promote apprenticeship opportunities for clean energy jobs and money for coal and fossil fuel communities to support workers and their families. Finally, the bill also amends the Electoral Count Act to ensure a peaceful transfer of power.”

For more information, visit http://www.lujan.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/heinrich-lujan-deliver-over-273-million-in-fy23-funding-for-146-new-mexico-projects/.