NMIFB News:

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board (NMIFB) has announced $92.9 million in awards to Nations, Pueblos and Tribes across New Mexico for transformational infrastructure projects.

This funding supports projects identified and prioritized by Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes, including critical water and wastewater systems, health care and wellness facilities, public safety infrastructure, educational facilities, roads, community centers, and government buildings.

These projects strengthen essential services, improve public health and safety, expand opportunity, and enhance the quality of life for Tribal communities statewide, while also benefiting surrounding communities.

“These awards reflect continued investment in infrastructure projects Tribal communities have identified as critical to public health, safety, and long-term sustainability,” said New Mexico Indian Affairs Secretary Josett Monette. “Since 2006, the Tribal Infrastructure Fund has awarded nearly $419 million for more than 363 projects across New Mexico.”

The Tribal Infrastructure Fund was established in 2005 to help address long-standing infrastructure disparities adversely affecting Tribal communities. It is funded through state appropriations and severance tax bond allocations authorized by the New Mexico Legislature. Funding recommendations are evaluated through a competitive review process led by the Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board, which includes Tribal and state representatives who assess projects based on community impact, infrastructure need, project readiness, and long-term benefit.

This year’s awards include 23 projects that will expand access to safe and reliable infrastructure, modernize community facilities, and support sustainable growth in Tribal communities throughout the state.

Examples of projects receiving funding:

• $2,506,725 for the Pojoaque Pueblo Wellness Center Renovations project, supporting renovations to restore health services, including reopening the wellness center pool, which previously served more than 800 individuals each month from the Pueblo and surrounding communities. 
• $13,939,000 for the Sandia Pueblo Health Care Facility Expansion project, increasing access to comprehensive health care services. The expansion will modernize and enhance a 30-year-old facility that provides medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and preventive care services, helping meet growing community health needs and improve long-term access to quality care. 
• $24,005,300 for multiple Navajo Nation chapters support seven water infrastructure projects, supporting improvements to aging and deteriorating water systems, expanding access to safe and reliable potable water, and reducing the hardship of hauling water for rural families. Collectively, the projects address critical water quality concerns including arsenic and radionuclide contamination, improve public health and sanitation conditions, and support long-term community sustainability and future development for thousands of residents across the region. 

Pojoaque Pueblo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Sandia Pueblo, Isleta Pueblo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Zuni Pueblo, Fort Sill Apache, Jemez Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, and multiple Chapters of the Navajo Nation all received awards this cycle. 

Additional information, including the Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board meeting agenda, is available through the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department website.