Vasquez Announces More Than $6 Million in Rural Development Grants in New Mexico’s Second District

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – On Friday, March 03, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced more than $6 million in grants to improve the quality of life in rural communities in New Mexico’s second district. 

“Rural development dollars go a long way to help support local economies and the wellbeing of all of our communities,” said Rep. Vasquez. “I’m pleased to announce the more than $6 million that will go directly to my district to support local businesses, renewable energy, improved sewer systems and more. From Anthony, N.M. to Las Cruces, these grants will enhance the quality of life of my constituents. I'm committed to helping our rural communities, including our colonias, access critical funding that will modernize their infrastructure and improve the quality of life for residents.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded a total of $6,085,791 in funding for various rural development projects.

• $5,541,000 to the Anthony Water and Sanitation District in Anthony, N.M. to expand and improve the community’s sewer services.
• $250,000 to 4-A Packing, LLC in Las Cruces, N.M. to utilize the locally sourced green chile in a new product and service line for consumers.
• $125,000 to Backyard Farms, LLC in Las Cruces, N.M. to provide additional technology to preserve locally grown fruits and vegetables for longer periods of time.
• $99,791 to New Mexico Wineries, Inc. in Lordsburg, N.M. to implement solar technology.
• $70,000 to Deming Luna Economic Development, Inc. in Luna County, N.M. to assist local businesses in the area with technical training such as marketing and accounting, potentially helping up to 800 businesses.

The $5,541,000 to the Anthony Water and Sanitation District was awarded as part of the 306C Water and Waste Grants - Colonias program, which is designated for low-income rural communities whose residents face significant health risks. The funding will be used to upgrade the current system and resolve an issue with discharging to the river, which currently exceeds the limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The grants totaling $375,000 to 4-A Packing and Backyard Farms are Value-Added Producer Grants, which assists those in the agriculture industry enter value-added activities to develop new products, marketing opportunities and increase producer income. 

The $99,79 to New Mexico Wineries, Inc. was awarded to build a solar array that will power the business and generate enough energy to power 38 homes as part of the Rural Energy for America Program Program as a Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grant. 

The $70,000 to Deming Luna Economic Development, Inc. was awarded as part of the Rural Business Development Grant, which aims to give technical training and assistance to small rural businesses with fewer than 50 employees. 

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