Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.5 Million to Make Critical Infrastructure Improvements Needed to Expand Industrial Park in Artesia, New Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to the city of Artesia, New Mexico, to support business location and expansion plans by making critical infrastructure improvements to the city’s industrial park. The EDA grant will be matched with $1.5 million in local funds and is expected to create 75 jobs.

“The Trump Administration is committed to helping American communities implement their strategies to support business growth,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This project will attract new businesses to Artesia and support the expansion plans of established businesses by improving Artesia’s growing industrial park, which has already created thousands of jobs for area residents.”

“Supporting our communities as they work to provide vital infrastructure for growing businesses is a top priority for President Trump,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “This investment will fund construction of new roadway, water and sewer infrastructure to serve new and existing businesses looking to expand at the Artesia Industrial Park.”

“As Artesia works to grow and diversify its economy, this investment in the city’s industrial park will help businesses get established and prosper,” said Udall, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “I will keep fighting for resources for all of New Mexico’s communities during these challenging economic times, and I am confident that the tight-knit community of Artesia can leverage this grant to foster innovative businesses and create good jobs in the local economy.”

“Hardworking New Mexicans are fighting to provide for their families, keep their businesses afloat, and deal with continued economic uncertainty,” said Congresswoman Xochitl Torres Small (NM-02). “This major investment will equip the Southeastern New Mexico Economic Development District with the funding needed to bring new opportunities to Artesia and support critical infrastructure improvements while also helping to create new jobs. As we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19 and rebuild our economy, it is critical we continue to work together to secure the resources communities in New Mexico and across the country need.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southeastern New Mexico Economic Development District, which EDA funds to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.