New Mexico Gov. Richardson Announces $5.5M For Dona Ana Colonias

SANTA FE,N.M.- Governor Bill Richardson Wednesday announced $15 million of state, federal, and private funds for southern New Mexico , including a $5.5 million investment of state dollars for 12 separate Colonias projects, primarily in Dona Ana County.

Governor Richardson proposed the funding and worked with the Legislature to secure the $5.5 million that will fund vital community projects.

“I am keeping my promise to invest in Southern New Mexico and the border region,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “This much needed money will fund vital community projects, such as water and wastewater systems, infrastructure improvements and street repair.”

In addition to the 12 state funded projects, the Governor has worked to obtain almost $10 million in local, state and federal funding for 8 additional projects in southern New Mexico . This partnership between local, state and federal officials will help needy communities address their basic infrastructure and planning needs.

The $5.5 million comes from Governor Richardson’s Colonias Initiative. In 2005 the Governor, worked with the Legislature to create the Colonias Initiative. Last year, the Governor’s Colonias Initiative provided $5.9 million for projects in southern New Mexico .

Dona Ana County ($3,100,000)

Dona Ana County will receive $500,000 for flood control improvements. $500,000 for the MDWA water system plan in Dona Ana County . $300,000 for planning and infrastructure improvements. Chaparral will receive $800,000 for infrastructure improvements. $200,000 will go to Montana Vista for infrastructure changes. Vado/Del Cerro will be given $800,000 for infrastructure improvements.

Eddy and Chaves County ($500,000)

Happy Valley will receive $300,000 for infrastructure improvements $200,000 will go towards Malaga infrastructure improvements

Grant County ($350,000)

The state is paying for regional water/wastewater collection improvements

Luna County ($500,000)

The Village of Columbus will receive funds for infrastructure improvements.

Hidalgo County ($500,000)

$500,000 in state funding to help leverage water/wastewater reclaim/reused project in the City of Lordsburg .

$50,000 has been set aside for several Colonias Planning Initiatives.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Colonias are low income, unincorporated subdivisions located near the U.S.-Mexico border. They are characterized by substandard housing, inadequate plumbing and sewage disposal systems, and inadequate access to clean water.