NMDCA News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs on Thursday will ask state lawmakers to approve $49.7 million for its general fund in the upcoming 30-day legislative session, representing a 4.1% increase from current year funding.

The department will present its budget before the Legislative Finance Committee at 8:30 a.m., Nov. 20 at the State Capitol, Room 307.  

“Our budget request reflects our ongoing commitment to protecting the cultural resources that serve communities statewide,” said Cultural Affairs Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego. “The Department of Cultural Affairs budget request represents a fiscally responsible approach that positions us to maintain stable operations and ensure that New Mexicans continue to benefit from the museums, historic sites, libraries, and cultural institutions that define our shared heritage.”

The Fiscal Year 2027 budget request for the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs includes:

• $1.5 million transfer from the Land of Enchantment Legacy Fund to the Cultural Properties Restoration Fund for statewide historic preservation grants.
• A projected $900,000 transfer from the Rural Libraries Endowment Fund to administer grants through the New Mexico State Library.

Nonrecurring requests include:

• $250,000 for the Fort Stanton Historic Site Master Plan.
• $250,000 for facilitation of a portfolio application to UNESCO to nominate New Mexico as part of the existing World Heritage designation of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.
• $200,000 for the Rural Arts Initiative partnership with the Creative Industries Division of the Economic Development Department.
• $600,000 to acquire San Juan Basin fossils from the State Museum of Pennsylvania.
• $850,000 for the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s 25th Anniversary for programming and marketing.
• $1.5 million for the next phase of Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act compliance activities.
• $500,000 for continued growth of the Archaeological Field School.