Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $4.4 Million in American Rescue Plan Funds to Boost Tourism and Workforce Training Opportunities for Tribal Communities in New Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $4.4 million in American Rescue Plan grants to support Tribal communities in New Mexico as they recover from the economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. These grants are funded by the American Rescue Plan’s Indigenous Communities program.

• Taos Pueblo Central Management System (CMS), Taos, will receive a $2.4 million grant for utility infrastructure, roadway development, and building renovations needed to establish the Taos Pueblo Heritage Center, which will help spur Tribal workforce opportunities and boost tourism in the region.
• Picuris Pueblo Indian Tribe, Penasco, will receive a $2 million grant for construction of the Picuris Pueblo Vocational Training Complex, to produce a skilled workforce and create jobs.

“President Biden is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments will create new opportunities for Tribal communities to diversify and grow their economies.”

“Tribal communities were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “These EDA investments will provide new sources for economic growth through tourism and job creation, spurring private investment, and improving the economic landscape in the region.”

“Building economic opportunity for New Mexico nations, tribes and pueblos benefits everyone,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “We have already pledged state support for the Taos Pueblo Heritage Center, which will create jobs and foster continued economic activity. I am grateful to see federal support for this important project and for job training at Picuris Pueblo.”

“The American Rescue Plan has been a lifeline for Tribes and rural communities to successfully rebuild themselves after the pandemic,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “I’m proud to see this historic relief package continue delivering critical investments that will strengthen infrastructure, economic, and job opportunities for the Taos and Picuris Pueblos.”

“Tribal Nations and Native communities have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I’m proud that these American Rescue Plan funds will provide direct support to help us recover and rebuild from the pandemic in New Mexico,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “These investments will spur tourism, support economic growth, and create good job opportunities for the Pueblos of Picuris and Taos and surrounding communities.”

These projects were made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the North Central New Mexico Economic Development District (NCNMEDD). EDA funds NCNMEDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

These projects are 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.