SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today announced $5.4 million dollars has been awarded for 16 important tribal infrastructure and planning projects across the state. Tribal communities across New Mexico will leverage an additional $33.4 million in other state, federal, and tribal governments for a total of $38.8 million dollars.

“With improved infrastructure Tribal communities can better develop economically, achieve their educational potential and address health disparities,” said Governor Bill Richardson. “The Tribal Infrastructure Fund provides an effective and efficient way to provide funding to the tribes and pueblos in New Mexico to improve their quality of life.”   

The Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board reviewed 24 infrastructure project proposals requesting over $9.5 million dollars. This year’s proposals included requests for water and wastewater systems, road improvement projects, electrical power lines, livestock facilities, bathroom additions, and for planning projects.

Indian Affairs Secretary Alvin Warren added: “Tribal leaders and community members from around our state have expressed their great appreciation to Governor Richardson for supporting the Tribal Infrastructure Fund.  These projects make a profound difference in the lives of thousands of New Mexicans.”

COMPLETE LIST OF 2009 TIF AWARDEES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS:

1)      Ohkay Owingeh—Water Conveyance System--$770,000

2)      Nambe Pueblo—Wastewater Treatment Facility Project--$672,000

3)      Navajo Nation —Cutter Lateral Phase 5--$698,250

4)      Zuni Pueblo —Domestic Water Supply and Delivery System--$927,000

5)      Acoma Pueblo—Water/Wastewater Improvement Project--$900,000

6)      Navajo Nation, Ft. Defiance Chapter—Road Improvement Project--$60,767

7)      Tesuque Pueblo—Water Extension Project--$399,083

8)      Navajo Nation, Ramah Chapter—Livestock Facility--$150,000

9)      Navajo Nation, Becenti Chapter—Chapter Bathroom Additions/Waterline Project--$260,000

10) Navajo Nation, Churchrock Chapter—Sundance Rehoboth Electric Power Line Project--$300,000

COMPLETE LIST OF 2009 TIF AWARDEES FOR PLANNING GRANTS:

1) Navajo Nation, Ramah Navajo School Board—Community Planning--$35,000

2) Navajo Nation, Beclabito Chapter—GIS Database Development & Community Comprehensive Analysis--$50,000

3) Picuris Pueblo—Electrical and Communication System Upgrade --$50,000

4) Navajo Nation, Eastern Navajo Agency Council—Eastern Navajo Land Commission Assessment--$50,000

5) Jemez Pueblo—Energy Efficiency Project--$50,000

6) Zia Pueblo—Housing Development Project--$49,875

Two examples of state TIF investments this year are:

A Water Conveyance System construction project for Ohkay Owingeh will receive $770,000 in TIF funds which, combined with additional leveraged funds, will provide a total of $1,705,355 for the project.  This fixed delivery water project will benefit 2,791 tribal members and address the following deficiencies and problems that exist in that community:  a predominantly undersized and aging water system; inadequate water storage and fire hydrants; and, contaminated groundwater sources.  This project will provide for recent and future growth in residential and commercial development areas both on and off the reservation.

In addition, the Churchrock Chapter of the Navajo Nation will be awarded $300,000 to construct an electric power line extension. When additional leveraged funds are added, the total funding for this project is $1,580,400.  This project will provide critically needed utility service to nearly 100 households within a large geographic area of the Churchrock community in the Navajo Nation.  Powerline extensions are needed to provide for the residential electrical needs of families, including power for in-home medical equipment, refrigeration, and basic home appliances for senior citizens, disabled citizens and citizens with health problems.

In 2005, Governor Richardson worked with the New Mexico Legislature to create the Tribal Infrastructure Fund Act to prioritize capital outlay funding for critical infrastructure projects that benefit New Mexico tribes and pueblos.  A total of $23 million dollars has been appropriated to the TIF over the past five years.

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Caitlin Kelleher

Media Coordinator for Governor Richardson

Office of the Governor

State Capitol, 

Santa Fe, NM

office 505.476.2299| cell 505.795.2480