New Mexico Senate passes broadband, highway spending bill

By CEDAR ATTANASIO
Associated Press / Report for America

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — The New Mexico state Senate has passed a spending proposal that would allocate some $478 million in federal funds to internet infrastructure, highways and other projects. It now goes back to the House. The funding could accelerate the development of high-speed internet in New Mexico. It authorizes $133 million in spending on internet projects, including emerging technologies like wireless towers, blimps, and new satellite internet networks. The bill would also allocate money to roads, state parks, and affordable housing. The state legislature is allocating federal funds after the state Supreme Court ruled last month that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham couldn’t allocate the funds herself.