U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $820,550 to Provide Technical Assistance to the Jicarilla Apache Nation in New Mexico
WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding an $820,550 grant to the Jicarilla Apache Nation, Dulce, New Mexico, to provide technical assistance and develop an organization that will maximize the economic benefits of the Tribe’s energy resources.
“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the Jicarilla Apache Nation as it seeks to diversify the Tribe’s economy,” said Dennis Alvord, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This project will provide technical assistance and develop an organization to help the Jicarilla Apache Nation derive economic benefit from their energy resources.”
“The Jicarilla Apache Nation has incredible potential in energy development, including emerging opportunities like utility-scale solar projects and hydrogen,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “I’m proud to welcome this federal funding and technical support that will help Jicarilla strategically plan for the future of their energy portfolio and fuel long-term, sustainable economic success.”
“This vital project will empower the Jicarilla Apache Nation to leverage their energy resources to diversify and bolster their economy,” said Senator Ben Ray Lujàn. “As a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, I’ll continue fighting to help Tribes and Pueblos recover and rebuild from the pandemic.”
“The heart of tribal sovereignty and self-determination is economic independence. This grant will help the Jicarilla Apache Nation to create the organization and strong workforce needed to promote long-term, sustainable economic growth,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernàndez (NM-03). “It’s vital that we invest in our Tribal communities so that they may benefit economically from their energy resources. I’m pleased to see this investment being made in my district.”
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.