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U.S. Commerce Department Invests $2 Million in New Mexico's Life Sciences and Green Technology Industries

April 19, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085


WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced more than $2 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to the city of Deming, N.M., and the National Center for Genome Resources in Santa Fe, N.M., to help create jobs in green technology and the life sciences industry.

"The Obama Administration is committed to providing communities with the resources they need to foster job creation and business growth," Locke said. "These investments will help create jobs and keep the region competitive by providing the critical infrastructure and equipment needed to support innovative research and development in New Mexico."

The investments announced today include:

  • $1.5 million to the city of Deming, N.M., for infrastructure improvements and construction of a main access route to the Peru Mill Industrial Park, home to several green energy businesses. The project is expected to create 252 jobs and generate $250 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
  • $500,500 to the National Center for Genome Resources in Santa Fe, N.M., to purchase the latest third-generation genome sequencing equipment to help develop cutting-edge technology that will aid in analyzing genome/DNA structure. This grant will help to advance research and development in all segments of the life sciences industry.

"The EDA grant, while providing opportunities for interns from colleges and universities to use the latest technology in genome research, will improve research and development opportunities to predict diseases and genetic abnormalities, as well as improving production in both crop and animal species," said Brad Ross, Director of Grants and Contracts for the National Center for Genome Resources.

These EDA projects align with one of the administration's National Strategic Priorities by supporting innovation in the green technology, health, and science industries.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.