New Mexico
| Program Category | # of Grants per state | Sum of EDA $ |
|---|---|---|
| Assistance to Coal Communities | 1 | $1,000,300 |
| Economic Adjustment Assistance | 3 | $1,100,000 |
| Planning | 1 | $70,000 |
| Public Works | 3 | $3,100,000 |
| Technical Assistance | 2 | $225,700 |
| Grand Total | 10 | $5,496,000 |
The Village of Los Lunas in New Mexico has suffered from long-term economic distress, with an unemployment rate two points higher than the national average. Business attraction has been hampered by a lack of skilled workers to fill positions as steel workers, soil engineers, and electricians. The region is also experiencing a decrease in population due primarily to outmigration. Despite these challenges, the Village of Los Lunas has found itself on the cusp of a major economic boon.
With a population of 15,000, the Village is experiencing tremendous growth on its west side. To capitalize on investment, the Village looked towards developing the Central New Mexico Rail Park. The park will house manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, distribution and other logistic business sectors that will benefit from rail access.
In FY 2018, EDA awarded $1.3 million in Public Works funds to the Village of Los Lunas to support water infrastructure to the park. The project will enhance the attractiveness of a site already certified and marketed by Burlington Northern Santa Fe, located off I-25 and I-40, and within 30 miles of an international airport, thereby providing much needed employment in the region. The initial job impact of the project is over 3,000 jobs, with more expected in the near future. This project will finally allow the region much needed intermodal freight capabilities to take advantage of freight flows through the region that will benefit the local economy.