The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) has disclosed that its Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) is awarding outdoor trails and infrastructure funding to 12 projects under the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant initiative. The beneficiaries will collectively receive $1,746,310, with organizations securing an additional $2.53 million in matching funds for these initiatives.
According to a press release by EDD, nearly 70% of the projects in the second round of Trails+ funding for this fiscal year are located in rural and Tribal areas. The recipients include Bernalillo County, City of Farmington, City of Santa Fe, City of Truth or Consequences, Conservation Legacy, Doña Ana County, Heart of the Gila, K'é Community Trails Coalition, Native Plant Society of New Mexico's Gila Chapter, Pueblo of Isleta, and Wild Arizona.
Acting EDD Cabinet Secretary Jon Clark said in a press release by EDD: "The Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant invests in conservation-minded shovel-ready projects that are open to the public, increase access to outdoor opportunities and demonstrate a clear economic benefit to the community through improved quality of life, better public health outcomes and/or increased eco-tourism. Many of these initiatives also leverage federal dollars – and that creates jobs and grows New Mexico’s economy."
ORD Director Karina Armijo also stated in a press release by EDD: "We are pleased to support these 12 new outdoor recreation infrastructure projects throughout the state that improve access to the outdoors while bolstering the state's outdoor recreation economy. Investments in trails and infrastructure for outdoor recreation uplift communities and support expanding access to the outdoors for all New Mexicans."
According to information provided on ORD's About webpage, ORD aims to make significant contributions to economic development, conservation, equity education and public health. Success hinges on close collaboration with businesses, nonprofits as well as state and federal partners in New Mexico. The division is committed to ensuring that the entire New Mexico population benefits from sustainable outdoor recreation, which includes public health, environmental and economic advantages.
