New Mexico Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board makes historical investment in New Mexico tribal communities

by Mescalero Apache Tribe | June 25, 2021 4:00 pm

Over $26 Million Awarded to Critical Projects

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Indian Affairs Department on Friday announced that more than $26 million was awarded to 17 infrastructure projects across nine tribal communities by the Tribal Infrastructure Fund (TIF) Board.

This investment builds on the historic infrastructure investments in tribal communities made under the Lujan Grisham Administration, with the administration having invested more than $240 million for critical infrastructure projects to bring running water, electricity, and broadband to tribal communities throughout New Mexico, orders of magnitude more than any prior state administration.

This year’s TIF awards is the highest amount of funding going out to tribal communities since the TIF program was established.

The Tribal Infrastructure Act, which created the Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board in 2005, accepts proposals from tribal communities to fund critical infrastructure projects in tribal communities. The nine-member board thoroughly evaluates and scores each project proposal to ensure projects are shovel-ready and can begin immediately. The New Mexico Indian Affairs Department administers the funds.

“We will continue to step up and deliver meaningful investments to tribal communities all across our state,” said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “This is what my administration does – we look for opportunities to build and rebuild communities, and we get the job done, no matter what has or hasn’t been done in the past. These funds will make a real, significant difference for families, workers and for economic development and quality of life on tribal land in New Mexico. I’m really proud of that and humbled to have the opportunity to continue to strengthen sacred government-to-government partnerships with the sovereign nations of New Mexico.”

“This newest investment in tribal infrastructure continues to build upon the historic amount of funding that has gone to tribal infrastructure projects. The Indian Affairs Department remains committed to working with our tribal communities to get these funds out the door, so these projects can be completed and make a real difference in the lives of our tribal members. Thank you to Governor Lujan Grisham and our Legislators for their continued support of the Tribal Infrastructure Fund,” said Secretary Lynn Trujillo.

“We appreciate the TIF board for recognizing the infrastructure needs of our communities, especially those that will benefit our elders and disabled. I extend my appreciation to Navajo Nation Division of Community Development Executive Director Dr. Pearl Yellowman for her support and advocacy as a TIF board member and members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council. We have a great partnership with the State of New Mexico, and we want to strengthen that partnership through the completion of these projects,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.

“On behalf of the Tribe, I want to thank the State of New Mexico and the Tribal Infrastructure Board for this award. The money will go toward repairing a heavily traveled and dangerous road that is used mainly by residents and school buses. The Tribe would not have been able to move forward without this money. Public safety is a priority for the Tribe – we are grateful,” Mescalero Apache Tribe President Gabe Aguilar.

“The Tribal Infrastructure Funds announced by the State are greatly appreciated and will be a very important part of the effort to allow the Pueblo of Santa Ana to continue to provide for the health and welfare of its community as we emerge from the COVID pandemic,” said Pueblo of Santa Ana Governor Ulysses Leon.

Below are the awarded projects:

Pueblo of Laguna ($100,000) – Laguna Pueblo Main Street Infrastructure Preliminary Engineering Report

Pueblo of Santa Clara ($178,529.34) – Santa Clara Pueblo Water and Wastewater Planning Documents Update

Pueblo of Santa Ana ($270,000) – Design and Engineering an Arsenic Removal System for Well #5   

Rock Springs Chapter, Navajo Nation ($281,516) – Rock Spring Chapter Navajo Code Talkers Lateral   

Sheep Springs Chapter, Navajo Nation ($315,078) – Regional San Juan Lateral Water Project   

Newcomb Chapter, Navajo Nation ($369,528) – Regional San Juan Lateral Water Project – Newcomb Chapter Connection   

Standing Rock Chapter, Navajo Nation ($467,865) – Tse’ii’ahi’ Waterline Extensions

Ohkay Owingeh ($1,052,575.00) – NM Highway 74/PoPay Avenue Intersection Improvement Project

Santo Domingo Pueblo ($1,200,000) – Wastewater System   

San Ildefonso Pueblo ($1,350,000) – San Ildefonso Pueblo Wastewater Treatment System – Phase 3   

Santa Clara Pueblo ($2,174,802.21) – Wastewater System Improvements – Southern Service Area Expansion   

Taos Pueblo ($2,200,000) – Infrastructure for Housing Subdivision   

Taos Pueblo ($2,500,000) – Justice and Wellness Center Infrastructure   

Crownpoint Chapter, Navajo Nation ($2,613,482) – Regional Beacon Bisti N9 Lateral Water Supply Project, aka NGWSP Reach 10.1/2/3   

To’hajiilee Chapter, Navajo Nation ($3,568,180.35) -To’hajiilee – Albuquerque water supply line   

Santa Ana Pueblo ($3,994,619) – Public Safety, Judicial & Social Services Complex

Mescalero Apache Tribe ($3,994,619.10) – M6 White Mountain Drive – Phase III from Botello Road to the M6/M4 intersection   

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