Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Welcome Over $1.4 Million In Grants For Tribal Transit In New Mexico
Statement
U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) announced over $1.4 million in FY21 grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Tribal Transit Program (TTP) being awarded to five New Mexico Tribes. Tribes may use TTP funds for capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses for public transit projects that meet the growing needs of rural Tribal communities.
"For far too long, many Tribes in rural areas have been unable to reach the economic opportunity that so many of us take for granted," said Heinrich. "I'm confident that this funding, combined with historic investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will make much needed improvements in Tribal public transit and create job and economic opportunities across the state."
"Investments in public transit allow everyone to participate in the economy," said Luján."These grants will increase access to economic opportunities for New Mexico's Tribes and Pueblos--investments that are long overdue. Economic growth in these communities is a top priority of mine, and I'm proud to have helped deliver this funding."
"Access to education, health care, and economic opportunity all depend on safe, reliable, and efficient transportation systems. They grease the wheels of our economy. These important investments in Tribal communities like the Mescalero, Jicarilla, Ohkay Owingeh, and the Pueblo of Taos will promote economic growth and help ensure everyone has access to each pillar of our economy." said Leger Fernández.
DOT is awarding funding to the following:
$571,068 for the Mescalero Apache Tribe
$415,580 for the Jicarilla Apache Nation
$200,000 for the Pueblo of Taos
$150,000 for the Jicarilla Apache Nation
$64,323 for the Ohkay Owingeh
The New Mexico Democratic congressional delegation supported the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that will provide additional funding to improve transportation options for New Mexicans and Tribal communities. These projects will make major strides in reducing greenhouse emissions through the largest investment in public transit in U.S. history.
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