Photo: USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner (second from left) presents a certificate of completion to the Grant County Commission for the North Hurley wastewater system, with State Senator Howie Morales (second from right) and Rep. Rudy Martinez (right).
ALBUQUERQUE, NM, August 22, 2014 – USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner has been touring southern and southwestern New Mexico for the last two days to obligate, dedicate and visit various projects funded by his agency.
During his visit Brunner said, "All of these projects represent the commitment made by USDA Rural Development to provide a better lifestyle to those choosing to live in New Mexico's small communities." Brunner added, "In the last five years we have obligated over $1.7 billion in federal loans and grants to the rural communities across the state. This in turn has created jobs which are helping our state climb out of the economic crisis that we have found ourselves in."
Altogether, the projects that Brunner obligated, dedicated or visited totaled over $11.3 million in financial support by USDA Rural Development. The projects include:
- $4,491,945 million to upgrade the Truth or Consequences sewer system
- $93,500 to allow Truth or Consequences to purchase a new street sweeper
- Dedication of the $1,319,100 million wastewater project in North Hurley, NM
- Dedication of the $85,185 renovation of the Bayard Community Center
- Obligation of $946,600 to install new electric water meters in Bayard, NM
- Dedication of a $1,265,170 million wastewater project in Santa Clara, NM
- Tour of $3,173,104 million wastewater project under construction in Tyrone, NM
President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.