Vasquez, Ciscomani Celebrate New Funding for Southline Transmission Project
Southline aims to construct a 175-mile transmission line from New Mexico to Arizona, unlocking wind and solar energy resources across the region
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressmen Gabe Vasquez Vasquez (D-NM-02) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) held a press conference today to celebrate the recently announced funding for the Southline Transmission Project (Southline). Southline aims to construct a 175-mile transmission line from Hidalgo County, New Mexico in Rep. Vasquez’s district, to Pima County, Arizona in Rep. Ciscomani’s district.
It was recently announced as one of three projects nationwide that will receive funding through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Transmission Facilitation Program (TFP). Southline is the first phase of a larger planned transmission project to address the need for increased transfer capability in the Desert Southwest and will help unlock renewable energy resources, specifically wind and solar energy, across the region.
“Improving the state’s transmission capacity facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, aligning with New Mexico’s goals for a sustainable and green energy future,” said Vasquez. “Most importantly, this project fosters interstate collaboration. This pipeline between New Mexico and Arizona is a great example of successful regional collaboration, enhancing energy connectivity and resource sharing across state lines.”
“The Southline Transmission Project will be transformative in accessing clean and reliable energy in both my district and Rep. Vasquez’s district,” said Ciscomani. “I was proud to play a role in securing these funds and pleased to see the federal government prioritize this project and Cochise County on the national level. I’m committed to working alongside Rep. Vasquez, our county and local leaders, and other partners as we strive to ensure the project’s success.”
Vasquez also sent a letter to DOE in support of the Southline Transmission Project, and in support of a renewable energy future, Vasquez recently announced $41.4M for advanced carbon capture innovation at New Mexico Tech.
Ciscomani, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, sent a letter to DOE in September advocating for the project’s inclusion in TFP, helping to secure the selection of this project nationally. He also joined Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm for the project’s announcement in Cochise County, earlier this month.
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