Enchantment State News

NEW MEXICO – Last week, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) welcomed White House Senior Advisor Mitch Landrieu to New Mexico to highlight historic investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Senator Luján and Senior Advisor Mitch Landrieu joined U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller to announce $25 million made available through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Program, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to the City of Albuquerque’s Uptown Transit Center. This funding will support the construction of six bus docks with protected waiting areas, signage, security features, lighting, electric charging stations, underground parking, as well as entertainment, affordable housing, and retail uses.

“It was an honor to join White House Senior Advisor Landrieu, Senator Heinrich, and Mayor Keller to highlight $25 million for public transit in Albuquerque. These funds will help improve public safety and ensure that our roads are safe for all New Mexicans,” said Luján.

Senators Luján and Heinrich, Senior Advisor Landrieu, and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) joined Santo Domingo Pueblo leadership to highlight $12.7 million through the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program, made possible by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. The Pueblo is using the funding to address the digital divide and support equitable access to affordable internet, telehealth, telework, and remote learning.

Senator Luján and Senior Advisor Landrieu then joined Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to highlight the $675 million award from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to expand high-speed internet access in New Mexico. 

“As Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, it’s been my priority to help New Mexico reach 100% connectivity – especially in our rural and Tribal communities,” said Luján. “This investment of $675 million will make a huge difference for our state, and I won’t stop fighting until all New Mexicans are connected.”

Lastly, Senators Luján and Heinrich joined a panel discussion with Senior Advisor Landrieu to prepare New Mexico local leaders for the rollout of funding to improve their community’s infrastructure.

“Visiting communities, hearing their concerns, and finding solutions is one of the most important parts of my job. That’s why it was an honor to provide updates to ensure local leaders are prepared for the critical funding that’s coming to uplift their communities,” said Luján. “Our work is not over, but these investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will set our communities down a path towards success for generations to come.” 

Original source can be found here.