SANTA FE - Today Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela announced $250,000 in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds will be awarded to the city of Alamogordo for use toward construction of the First Research Science and Technology (FRST) facility in Alamogordo. LEDA is a program in the New Mexico Economic Development Department that funds, through local communities, infrastructure projects which are tied to job creation. Last month, Governor Susana Martinez announced that FRST will create 24 high-wage jobs in Alamogordo.
 
"LEDA is a great job creation tool that provides critical infrastructure for job relocation or expansion," Secretary Barela said. "FRST is a wonderful company that will create high-wage, economic-base jobs that will not only help to employ New Mexicans but also contribute to the local and state GRT."
 
During the 2013 Legislative session an additional $3.3 million was approved for LEDA investments.
 
The LEDA investment will support infrastructure improvements for the FRST facility located on New York Avenue in Alamogordo, which has been vacant for many years and requires extensive modifications. At completion, the facility will serve as a design and integration facility for the manufacture of unmanned ground vehicles. Build out will be coordinated with city planners to ensure exterior modifications are consistent with the long term vision for the MainStreet area.