“Today I am pleased to announce nearly $2.2 million dollars for vital tribal infrastructure in communities across the state, “Governor Richardson said. “This year’s awards continue the fund’s strong track record of developing essential infrastructure in our tribal communities.”

In 2005, Governor Richardson worked with the New Mexico Legislature to enact the Tribal Infrastructure Fund Act to provide capital outlay funding for critical infrastructure projects that benefit New Mexico tribes and pueblos.  Over the past five years, the Tribal Infrastructure Fund (TIF) has provided more than $25 million to New Mexico’s Native American communities allowing them to leverage an additional $120 million in other funding for their projects.

 “With these awards, 80 tribal infrastructure projects have now been funded benefitting 21 tribes, nations and pueblos in New Mexico,” Secretary of Indian Affairs Alvin Warren said. “The TIF is one example of how good government policy and the wise allocation of resources can benefit all New Mexicans.  I commend Governor Richardson and the Legislature for creating and then designating recurring funding to the TIF to address the tribes’ critical infrastructure needs.”

Tribal communities face a daunting $1 billion need over the next 5 years for essential infrastructure.  During the Fall of 2009 the Tribal Infrastructure Board and the Indian Affairs Department completed an extensive report to Governor Richardson detailing tribal infrastructure challenges and resources.  As a result, Governor Richardson called upon the Legislature to designate 5% of the annual Severance Tax Bond capacity to the TIF.  Through his efforts and those of the Indian Affairs Department, Speaker Ben Lujan, Senator John Pinto, key legislators and tribal leaders, HB 162 was enacted and will yield $100 million to tribal communities in the first 10 years alone and leverage significant amounts of federal, tribal and other funding.  HB 162 will become effective on July 1, 2011.

Two examples of this year’s state funded TIF projects:

The Tsayatoh Chapter Bathroom and Waterline Additions on the Navajo Nation will receive $390,000.  Currently, Tsayatoh residents are without the benefit of modern bathrooms and waterline infrastructure and instead have to use outhouses and haul water on a daily basis.  With this award, residents will be provided with up-to-date standard showers, sinks, toilets, kitchen sinks, heaters, and medicine cabinet conveniences.  The new facilities will be especially beneficial to the numerous veteran and elderly residents that reside in the Tsayatoh community. 

The Windy Point Affordable Housing Development on the Mescalero Apache Reservation will receive a TIF award in the amount of $340,702.  The Windy Point Development will serve low-income elderly residents with the creation of 27 new affordable, quality duplex units.  The new housing project will help to alleviate the acute housing shortage on the Mescalero reservation. 

“This is certainly great news for our housing authority, our tribe and all tribal members who will benefit greatly from this badly-needed project,” said Mescalero President Mark Chino.  “Housing, particularly affordable housing, has always been a priority for our Tribal Council.  We are thankful to the State of New Mexico, the Indian Affairs Department and the Tribal Infrastructure Board for this first TIF award to the Mescalero Apache Tribe.” 

The following is a complete list of the 2010 TIF Awards:

INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS:

PLANNING GRANTS: