U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $875,079 in American Rescue Plan Funds to Develop Master Plan and Business Development for Pueblo of Laguna Tribe

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $875,079 grant to Laguna Economic Advancement, LLC, Laguna, New Mexico, to develop a master plan and design for a facility to house Tribal businesses along the Route 66 tourism corridor. This grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan.

This grant will provide planning and design for a facility that will support economic development and business creation opportunities for the Tribe.

“The Economic Development Administration is committed to supporting Tribal communities in their recovery from the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will help the Pueblo of Laguna Tribe plan for future business development and economic growth, creating opportunities for job creation for Tribal members.”

“It’s great to see the American Rescue Plan continue helping Tribes rebuild and strengthen their economies,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “Thanks to this federal funding, tourists hitting the road and traveling down the historic Route 66 highway will have more opportunities to stop by and show their support for Laguna Pueblo businesses.”

“Investments from the American Rescue Plan continue to lift up critical New Mexican communities, like our Tribes and Pueblos, as they recover and rebuild,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “I’m glad this funding will support Laguna Pueblo in developing a facility for Tribal members to create and maintain successful businesses in their community.”

“I’m proud that the American Rescue Plan is continuing to support our Tribes and Pueblos with economic recovery to expand opportunities for local businesses,” said Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury (NM-01). “I’m eager to see how the over $875,000 will expand opportunities for good-paying jobs for Laguna Pueblo members and grow our economy statewide.”

This project is funded under EDA’s American Rescue Plan Indigenous Communities program, which allocates $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding specifically to support the needs of Tribal Governments and Indigenous communities. The program supports these partners to develop and execute economic development projects they need to recover from the pandemic and build economies for the future. Indigenous communities are also eligible and encouraged to apply under all of EDA’s other programs. Effective May 26, 2022, EDA has officially closed all of its American Rescue Plan programs for applications. The $3 billion program funding will be awarded on a rolling basis through September 30, 2022.

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 invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.