U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2.7 Million to Support Industrial Business Growth in Milan, New Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2.7 million grant to the Village of Milan, New Mexico, to support roadway infrastructure improvements at the Milan Industrial Park.

This grant will support development of the industrial park, attracting new businesses and private investment to the area. This EDA investment, to be matched with $684,750 in local funds, is expected to create 54 jobs and generate $3.2 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is making sure local businesses in New Mexico have the resources,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment in the Village of Milan will pave the way for new industrial businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the regional economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to support the Village of Milan as it seeks to diversify the region’s economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will provide the infrastructure for access to the Milan Industrial Park, supporting business growth and diversifying the regional economy.”

“Investments in rural infrastructure are a key part of our effort to bolster economic development in every part of New Mexico,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “This funding will go a long way toward attracting new businesses to the area, supporting existing business owners in Milan, and creating new job opportunities and career paths for New Mexicans.”

“This major federal investment will put the Milan Industrial Park on the map as an ideal place for businesses to set up shop, helping Cibola County attract new employers and connect residents with new career opportunities,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “I will keep working to steer strategic infrastructure investments like this to communities all across our state to build the economic future that New Mexicans deserve.”

“It’s critical we continue investing in our local communities and supporting businesses, especially those in rural small towns,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “That’s why I’m proud to welcome this federal investment of more than $2 million to help upgrade roadways and improve access to Milan Industrial Park. This funding will bring more businesses to this community, while creating more good-paying jobs for New Mexicans.”

“I’m always working to ensure that our rural communities are cared for, and this announcement shows that we are committed to them,” said Congressman Gabe Vasquez (NM-02). “I’m so excited to see this federal investment going to improve infrastructure that will support job growth in the Village of Milan. Investing in our rural communities can make a difference and boost the local economy.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Northwest New Mexico Council of Government (NWNMCOG). EDA funds NWNMCOG 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.

This project is funded under the Assistance to Coal Communities (ACC) initiative, through which EDA awards funds on a competitive basis to assist communities severely impacted by the declining use of coal. ACC projects support economic diversification, job creation, capital investment, workforce development, and re-employment opportunities.

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.