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| Wilson: Westside YMCA Gets Federal Funds |
November 30, 2005 |
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| Half Million in Fed Bucks Will Bring Youth Facility to Growing Westside
Albuquerque’s Growing Westside — Congresswoman Heather Wilson today announced $500,000 for construction of an Albuquerque YMCA on the growing West Side of the city.
“A new YMCA facility will make a whole range of great activities available to families on our growing Westside,” Wilson said. “The YMCA came to me earlier this year and told me of their hopes to expand their services on the Westside, and today, I’m pleased to join them in announcing $500,000 in federal support to get this project jumpstarted.”
Congress set aside the money for the Westside YMCA at Wilson’s request in the $69.9 billion Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill (H.R. 3058), which was passed by the House 392-31 on November 18 and presented to the President just two days ago to be signed into law in early December.
“I’ve been with the YMCA for 33 years now, and if nothing else, I’ve learned that support from the community and our government leaders is critical to our success,” says Marian Bolton, President and CEO of the YMCA of Central New Mexico. “We can’t thank Congresswoman Wilson enough for being open and accessible, and for doing everything she could in a tight federal budget year to secure this funding.”
Bolton oversees a $5 million budget, 60 permanent and several hundred seasonal staff. Under Bolton’s leadership, the YMCA provides services and programs to more than 40,000 people in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, and Valencia Counties.
Ron Short is the Chairman of the Board for the YMCA of Central New Mexico. As the chief volunteer, he presides over the all volunteer member board responsible for fiscal, governance, and policy-making decisions for the entire YMCA Association.
“Those of us on this board do this because of our belief that the YMCA provides an incredible service to kids in New Mexico,” says Short. “It’s clear that Rep. Wilson recognizes that as well. Her support makes our jobs easier, and we’re very appreciative of her efforts on behalf of the Y. We look forward to seeing her at a groundbreaking soon, and then a ribbon-cutting.”
YMCA of Central New Mexico has five branches, with four in the Albuquerque area and one in Santa Fe. The current West Side branch primarily is devoted to childcare services and youth sports activities, both at the branch and at several nearby neighborhood schools. The West Side Branch has an Active Older Adult group which includes a hiking club for families and adults. This facility is the one targeted for expansion.
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