U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3 Million for Irrigation Infrastructure Improvements in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $3 million grant to the Pueblo of Jemez in Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico, for irrigation infrastructure improvements on Tribal land.

This grant will expand water supplies for the local farming community and food vendors following a series of monsoons and wildfires in the region.

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is a commitment to ensuring that communities in New Mexico and across the country have the resources needed to grow strong, regional economies,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This EDA investment will improve critical irrigation infrastructure for the Pueblo community, that will spur job creation and support a resilient Tribal economy.”

“The Economic Development Administration works closely with Tribal communities to support place-based economic growth,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will improve critical public infrastructure, bringing new business opportunities to the Pueblo of Jemez and the region.”

“Once again, the Biden Administration is demonstrating a clear understanding of the need to invest in the infrastructure and economic development  of our Tribal Nations in a way that helps sustain traditional cultural practices and promotes tribal sovereignty. New Mexico appreciates this important investment,” said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

“I am pleased to welcome $3 million to create more opportunities for the Pueblo of Jemez to strengthen infrastructure that will boost economic development and protect the Jemez people’s agriculture way of life,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. “I will continue fighting for these kind of strategic infrastructure investments to grow New Mexico’s middle class and create a better future for the next generation.”

“New Mexico’s agriculture industry remains a vital resource and it’s critical this sector has the support needed to be successful, especially on Tribal lands,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “I’m proud to welcome this $3 million investment to renovate irrigation infrastructure for the Pueblo of Jemez, ensuring water supplies are expanded for local farmers and producers as they provide food and other resources for the community.”

“Congress passed, and President Biden signed into law, legislation to improve infrastructure in New Mexico and across the country. When I advocated for this law, I imagined it would benefit places across rural New Mexico just as this $3 million investment for water infrastructure improvements will do in Jemez Pueblo,” said Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03). “This funding will improve the irrigation system that carries the life-giving water of the Jemez River to corn, chili, and alfalfa crops. Agua es vida, and as the Pueblo continues to grow, we must make sure every last drop of water is used for the good of the community.”

This project is funded under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which provided EDA with $483 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Act as a result of Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, flooding, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2021 and 2022. Please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage for more information.

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.