Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Build Wastewater Infrastructure to Support Tribal Businesses in Espanola, New Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to the Santa Clara Pueblo, Espanola, New Mexico, to bring wastewater infrastructure into a commercial area. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Indigenous Communities program.

This project will provide critical infrastructure to a commercial area in order to attract and grow Tribal businesses. This EDA grant is expected to create 400 jobs and generate $10 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will create economic growth and opportunity for the Santa Clara Pueblo through new and expanded businesses.”

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will provide foundational economic development for the Pueblo and create jobs for its members.”

“I am proud to see the American Rescue Plan continue supporting projects that create long-lasting economic opportunities for Tribes,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “Sufficient infrastructure is critical for economic growth. This federal funding will allow the Santa Clara Pueblo to build wastewater infrastructure in an area where business and job opportunities for Native Americans can flourish.”

“New Mexico needs access to clean water – especially as our state continues to recover from devastating wildfires, in addition to the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “I’m glad this critical investment from the American Rescue Plan will help the Santa Clara Pueblo develop critical wastewater infrastructure while creating more economic opportunities in their community.”

“This grant will help Santa Clara Pueblo grow its economy and provide good-paying jobs to local residents,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “I will always advocate for our Tribal communities and Pueblos here in New Mexico, especially when it comes to providing the water infrastructure they need to thrive. As we all know, agua es vida.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically to support the needs of Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities. The program supports these partners to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. Indigenous communities are also eligible and encouraged to apply under all of EDA’s other programs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.