New Mexico economic development organization gets two federal grants
Two grants totaling $2.6 million are headed to a northern New Mexico economic development organization.
Several members of the state’s congressional delegation announced the funding last week.
The Commerce Department is sending $1.3 million to the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District. The funding will be used for building renovations.
The project will convert a building in downtown Santa Fe into the organization’s headquarters.
Additionally, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is awarding $1.25 million to the same economic development organization. That grant will be used by the nonprofit organization to repair and renovate homes of low-income seniors.
A goal of the program is to help low-income elderly people to remain in their homes through modifications to reduce older adults’ risk of falling, improve general safety, increase accessibility and improve their functional abilities in their home.
“By funding the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District’s new headquarters and investing in their work to repair and renovate the homes of low-income seniors, these federal dollars are helping New Mexicans build a more stable foundation for their dayto-day and future,” Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., said in a news release.
Sen. Ben Ray Lujän, D-N.M., said the investment will bring jobs to the north-central part of the state for years to come.
“I am happy (HUD) is committed to fixing the countrywide housing shortage by building more affordable housing — including housing for the 11.2 million seniors who struggle to cover home costs,” Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M., said in a statement.