Wilson Working for $6.4 Million in Federal Support for Key NM Priorities
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today announced 15 of her requests for important New Mexico projects are included in three bills in the U.S House of Representatives.
The three bills, passed by the House Appropriations Committee, contain a total of over $6.4 million in specific funding for New Mexico requested by Wilson. The next step is consideration by the full House.
“Federal support will help get us closer to these goals,” Wilson said. “These are worthy efforts. I’m pleased to announce we’re making progress on these priorities for our community.”
The Labor/HHS Appropriations Act:
· Jewish Family Service of New Mexico, Albuquerque, for a naturally occurring retirement community demonstration project – $100,000.
· New Mexico Public Education Department for summer reading and math institutes throughout the State – $500,000.
· Rio Rancho Public Schools, Rio Rancho, for distance learning, which may include equipment – $500,000.
· Community Dental Services, Albuquerque, for facilities and equipment – $300,000.
· Sandoval County, Bernalillo, for a telemedicine initiative, including purchase of equipment – $200,000.
· University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, for the American Indian Language Policy Research and Teacher Training Center – $200,000.
The Transportation/HUD Appropriations Act:
· Mesa Del Sol/I-25 Interchange – $500,000.
· U.S. 550 Improvements -- $500,000.
· Sandoval County Northwest Loop Access Road – $250,000.
· Village of Tijeras Senior Center – $100,000.
· Cornucopia Adult Day Services Facility Improvements – $100,000.
The Energy and Water Appropriations Act:
- $311,000 for the Middle Rio Grande Bosque feasibility study. The study area includes the Rio Grande’s Bosque through Albuquerque, from the North Diversion Channel outfall to the South Diversion Channel outfall, a distance of 13 miles that encompasses approximately 2,500 acres. The feasibility study, initiated in August 2004, will evaluate current conditions within the study area and make recommendations in order to improve environmental quality, reduce fire potential, and develop passive recreation opportunities. The study is scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2008.
- $100,000 for the Ecosystem Revitalization at Route 66, Albuquerque. The project is located on the Rio Grande between Interstate 25 and Bridge Street, and consists of the removal of unnecessary jetty jacks and non-native vegetation, the removal of dead trees to reduce fire hazard, the reintroduction of native vegetation, and the improvement of recreational opportunities that are compatible with eco-system recreation.
- $750,000 to the University of New Mexico for the New Mexico Center for Isotopes in Medicine. The funding is for the development of applications of unique, medically useful radio isotopes available soon from the Los Alamos National Lab Isotope Production Facility.
· $2 million for the Rio Grande Bosque Rehabilitation (Bosque Wildfires), New Mexico. Public Law 108-137 (Energy and Water Appropriations) authorized the Corps to restore burned areas in Albuquerque’s bosque and also lower the future fire threat. The restoration work began in January 2004. Funding would continue expedited planning, design and construction for the restoration of burned areas with high potential for fire in and around Albuquerque’s Bosque.
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