U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $678,128 in American Rescue Plan Funds for Trail Expansion to Boost Tourism in Santa Fe, New Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $678,128 grant to Santa Fe County, New Mexico, to boost tourism by helping to complete the 15-mile Santa Fe Rail Trail.

This project will support outdoor recreation and boost the local tourism industry by bringing new visitors to the city, its businesses, and local attractions. This EDA grant will be matched with $169,553 in local funds.

“The travel and tourism industry is an important part of many local economies across the country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This project will allow Santa Fe County to expand the Santa Fe Rail Trail to revitalize tourism in the area and provide new opportunities for outdoor recreation.”

“When we invest in New Mexico’s outdoor spaces, like the Santa Fe Rail Trail, we invest in the small businesses and workers that make up our local economies,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “I’m pleased to see the EDA invest in tourism opportunities in New Mexico, and cannot wait for more people to experience just how enchanting this land really is.”

“I’m glad this investment from the American Rescue Plan will support our growing tourism industry in Santa Fe, as it continues to recover and rebuild,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “This federal funding will help complete the 15-mile Santa Fe Rail Trail, which will support our outdoor economy and boost local tourism.”

“The Rail Trail is a beloved space for our communities in Santa Fe, and I am thrilled that this substantial grant will help to complete it,” said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “The trail is a truly communal effort, funded by local, state, federal, and philanthropic dollars. I can’t wait to see it finished and serve our gente and their families.”

This project is funded under EDA’s $240 million competitive American Rescue Plan Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation program. EDA awarded $510 million in 2021 to all 50 states and territories. The two programs are designed to accelerate the recovery of communities that rely on the travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors. 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.