Luján Meets With Local Leaders Across New Mexico

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) wrapped up the May state work period, which included a tour across southern New Mexico and meetings with New Mexico local leaders. While traveling, Senator Luján met with mayors and local leaders from Alamogordo, Las Cruces, Sunland Park, Anthony, Deming, Mesilla, Silver City and Grant County. He capped off the week with a virtual meeting with Los Alamos County Councilors. The Senator's discussions focused on how the American Rescue Plan will help local governments recover and rebuild and how infrastructure investments will continue to push the state's recovery forward.

PHOTO: Luján meets with Local Leaders, discusses the American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure

"It's been a privilege to hear from local leaders and learn about the difference the American Rescue Plan is already making their communities," said Senator Luján. "Under the American Rescue Plan, over $2 billion will be invested in New Mexico. This federal funding will boost local governments and enable them to provide New Mexicans with essential services, support for small businesses, and a healthy community to call home."

Luján continued, "It's critical that Congress continues to help the American people recover and rebuild from COVID-19, through strong investments in our country's infrastructure. After hearing from local leaders, it's clear that New Mexico communities need investments in clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and improved roads and bridges. I look forward to taking all of these powerful stories with me to Washington to push for bold infrastructure investments across this country.

Background:

The local leaders who joined Senator Luján this week included Mayor Richard Boss, Alamogordo; Mayor Pro Tem Nadia Sikes, Alamogordo; City Manager Brian Cesar, Alamogordo; Mayor Ken Miyagashima, Las Cruces; Mayor Nora Barraza, Mesilla; Mayor Javier Perea, Sunland Park; Mayor Diana Murillo-Trujillo, Anthony; Mayor Benny Jasso, Deming; Mayor Ken Ladner, Silver City; Town Manager Alex Brown, Silver City; Grant County Commissioner Alicia Edwards; Grant County Commissioner Chris Ponce; Los Alamos County Council Chairman Randall Ryti; Los Alamos County Council Vice Chairman James Robinson; and Los Alamos County Councilor Sara Scott.

New Mexico state and local governments will receive an estimated $2.5 billion dollars under the American Rescue Plan. The State of New Mexico will receive $1.6 billion dollars. Metro areas will receive $177 million dollars, New Mexico's counties will receive $407 million dollars, and local communities will also receive direct funding totaling $119 million dollars.

Local Relief Estimates:

Las Cruces $23.75 million
Doña Ana County $42.32 million
Grant County $5.24 million
Luna County $4.60 million
Anthony $2.16 million
Sunland Park $4.20 million
Los Alamos County: $3.76 million
Mesilla $430,000
Deming $3.25 million
Silver City $2.20 million

Source