Rep. Vasquez Continues Commitment to Public Safety
Vasquez shares update on Community Project Funding for rural law enforcement and fire safety
On August 21 and 22, 2023, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (N.M.-02) met with officials from New Mexico Department of Public Safety and the Pueblo of Isleta to share updates on the federal funding he requested for New Mexico’s communities.
“I spent my first months in Congress working with local leaders to secure much-needed federal investments in our communities,” said Rep. Vasquez. “These projects, which are moving forward, respond to the needs that I’ve heard from constituents — crime prevention, fire safety, rural infrastructure investments. I will continue to listen to the needs of constituents across NM-02 to ensure that they are prioritized at the federal level.”
At the Department of Public Safety, Rep. Vasquez discussed his request for $800,000 in federal investments to improve communications technology for rural law enforcement officers. This vital technology will ensure that first responders are equipped to respond to a variety of incidents to keep themselves and rural communities safe.
Deputy Chief W. Troy Weisler of the New Mexico State Police said, “Communications are the lifeline for first responders in the field. New Mexico’s rural nature provides unique challenges, which this funding will help address. By working with Rep. Vasquez, this project will improve public safety services in communities throughout southern New Mexico and allow the men and women of the New Mexico State Police to more safely do their job.”
In the Pueblo of Isleta, alongside Governor Max Zuni and other tribal leaders, Rep. Vasquez discussed his efforts to secure a $900,000 federal grant to purchase a new fire vehicle for the tribe. This vehicle will greatly improve the whole region’s ability to respond quickly to wildfires. The House Appropriations Committee has allocated 100 percent of that funding.
“Thank you to Congressman Vasquez for advocating for the Pueblo of Isleta’s fire management project. With his support, the Pueblo will be more effective in responding to wildfire threats and reducing wildfire risk. Given the dangers that wildfire continues to pose to the entire state, this funding will be critical to the safety of the Isleta community, as well as all surrounding communities. We look forward to our continued partnership with Congressman Vasquez,” said Governor Zuni of the Isleta Pueblo.
Rep. Vasquez’s submission of fifteen Community Project Funding (CPF) projects marked the first time that New Mexico’s second congressional district has participated in the CPF process in recent years. Vasquez is committed to securing this crucial funding for the district to keep Tribal and rural communities safe.