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| President Approves New Mexico Projects Sponsored by Wilson |
November 27, 2001 |
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| Veterans Cemetery, Barelas Job Center, New Mexico Water Systems to Benefit
Washington, DC - President George W. Bush signed a $85.43 billion spending bill yesterday which provides substantial funding for New Mexico projects that were priorities of Congresswoman Heather Wilson. These projects include site selection for a national cemetery in the Albuquerque-metro area and critical economic development and job-training programs in Albuquerque’s South Valley, and for a community water system in Carnuel. The measure also includes funding for improvements to the water and wastewater facilities in the city of Moriarty and the town of Bernalillo.
“The projects funded under this bill will greatly enhance the quality of life for New Mexicans in and around Albuquerque,” Wilson said. “We will be able to provide a resting place for our heroes, enhance job training for our children, and protect our water.”
Wilson priorities included in the committee-approved VA-HUD spending bill were:
National Cemetery in central New Mexico, $125,000 - Wilson introduced legislation on Veteran’s Day 1999 that directs the Secretary of Veteran’s Affairs to begin the lengthy project of establishing a national cemetery in the Albuquerque area. Last year Wilson won approval of a measure that required the VA to begin an official study of the need for a veteran’s cemetery in the Albuquerque area. She also requested funding to support that effort in the FY02 fiscal year, worked closely with her colleagues and with House leadership to gain support, and met with VA Secretary Anthony Principi to underscore her adamant support of a new national cemetery in the Albuquerque area This funding is the culmination of Wilson’s efforts.
The Barelas Job Opportunity Center, $490,000 - Barelas is one of Albuquerque’s oldest communities. The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is working to redevelop the area. Their commitment is demonstrated by the recent move of the Chamber’s headquarters to Barelas. The Job Opportunity Center will provide life and work-skills training, the most in-demand computer programs, and opportunities for career enhancement in the areas of technology and marketing. The programs offered through the Job Center will work in collaboration with the Sandia National Laboratory, the University of New Mexico, several local businesses, and the TVI Center. The poverty rate in Barelas is 46%, compared with 14% for Albuquerque. Overall, the Job Center will provide the economic and educational boost that could help the neighborhood jump-start its climb up. The complex received a $420,000 Housing and Urban development grant and corporate and private pledges have brought the total money raised to approximately $1.3 million. This $490,000 earmark will allow for the completion of this important project.
Construction of South Valley Economic Development Center, $300,000 - This funding will be used for planning, design, and construction. The project will help stimulate the lagging South Valley economy and create jobs by creating small businesses. Part of the long-term revitalization and preservation strategy of the South Valley is to build the Economic Development Center to “hatch” small and emerging companies during their early, vulnerable years. There is overwhelming community support for this project. The total project costs $3.3 million; to date they have raised more than $1.5 million. The Rio Grande Community Development Corporation will receive the funding for this project.
Other programs funded under this bill are:
Construction of a community water system in Carnuel, $100,000
Wastewater system infrastructure improvements in Moriarty, $200,000
Treatment Plant Improvements in Town of Bernalillo, $300,000
Regional Waste Water project in Bernalillo County’s North and South Valley, $3.8 million
City of Belen for waste water facilities improvement, $900,000 |
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