The New Mexico Infrastructure Finance Conference recently took place at the Albuquerque Convention Center, where tribal projects were prominently recognized. Out of nine awards for infrastructure projects, seven were given to Nations, Pueblos, Tribes, and tribal-serving entities. These awards emphasize investments from Capital Outlay funds and the Tribal Infrastructure Fund (TIF), which are managed by the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department (IAD) along with other state departments.
Indian Affairs Department Secretary Josett D. Monette commented on the significance of these awards: "To have a majority of these awards go to Nations, Pueblos, Tribes and communities exemplifies how meaningful partnerships between state and tribal governments can yield significant results." She congratulated those behind the projects and expressed the department's commitment to supporting such efforts.
The award categories included Best Project Over $1 Million, which was awarded to the Navajo Nation for the Shiprock Incident Command Center. Other recipients included Jemez Pueblo for its Hemish Path to Wellness Broadband project and Pueblo of Taos for its Spider Rock Housing Subdivision Finance initiative. The Mescalero Apache Tribe was recognized for its work on White Mountain Drive in transportation.
Rebecca Roose, Senior Infrastructure Advisor to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, expressed satisfaction with recognizing success across various Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes at the conference. "The determination and hard work reflected across the teams that delivered these projects offer inspiration to communities across New Mexico," she said.
Tsoniki Crazy Bull, IAD’s Capital Outlay and TIF Manager, highlighted that these projects stem from community priorities: "It has been meaningful to support the work that strengthens, connects and creates lasting impact across Indian Country in New Mexico."
The IAD administers both Capital Outlay and TIF funds to provide necessary financial resources and planning investments aimed at building infrastructure, deploying broadband networks, expanding housing subdivisions, and fostering economic development. These awards demonstrate effective collaboration between New Mexico's state government and tribal governments.
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