Lt. Governor Howie Morales emphasized the importance of investing in rural New Mexico, highlighting initiatives undertaken by the administration of Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to support these communities. These efforts include increased capital outlay funds for public infrastructure, the creation of a $46 million Rural Health Care Delivery Fund, and new workforce affordable housing monies. The collaboration between the executive and legislative branches has aimed at enhancing resilience and growth in rural areas.
Despite these efforts, Morales acknowledged that significant challenges remain as many rural parts of New Mexico continue to face underinvestment. The 2025 legislative session presents an opportunity to increase infrastructure spending due to positive revenue surpluses. Morales expressed his commitment to visiting rural towns and villages to understand their concerns better, noting his personal connection as a resident of Grant County.
Morales highlighted his past achievements as a state senator, including the establishment of the Colonias and Tribal Infrastructure Funds. These funds allocate nearly five percent of the state's annual senior severance-tax bond proceeds to essential projects like water, sewer, local roads, and flood control. He noted that these programs' simplicity is key to their success and stressed the need for improved flexibility in funding while maintaining accountability.
The lieutenant governor pointed out successful infrastructure developments across New Mexico, such as a $25 million high-speed fiber optic broadband project in Deming County. This project aims to connect nearly 700 homes and businesses using USDA rural economic development funds.
Addressing capacity shortfalls in rural areas is crucial for creating good-paying jobs and ensuring small-town communities thrive with a high quality of life. Morales underscored the necessity for continued investment in broadband, water systems, roads, transportation, and other public infrastructures during the upcoming legislative session.
He also highlighted investments in education under Governor Lujan Grisham's leadership but stressed the need for expanding opportunities for children in rural areas through afterschool programs. Morales advocated using historic revenue surpluses this year to boost state investments in rural infrastructure as a means to reinvigorate New Mexico's rural economies.
