NM delegation announces $28.6 million in funding to make drinking water safer

The New Mexico congressional delegation — U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich and Ben Ray Luján, and U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, Melanie Stansbury and Gabe Vasquez — announced Thursday that New Mexico will receive $28,650,000 made possible by the delegation's work to pass the Infrastructure Law.

Funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the investment will help New Mexico communities replace lead pipes and provide clean drinking water to protect children and families across the state.

“Every New Mexican deserves the right to a clean and reliable supply of safe drinking water,” Heinrich said. “Because of the investments we passed in the Infrastructure Law, our state will be able to finally replace lead pipes using American-made materials installed by American workers. This funding will keep working families in our state safe and healthy while creating a solid foundation for our communities to grow.”

The Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and the Clean Water State Revolving Funds have been the foundation of water infrastructure investments for more than 30 years, providing low-cost financing for local projects across America.

“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a real difference for communities in New Mexico and across the country. Since it was signed, I've been proud to travel across New Mexico to highlight historic investments in our infrastructure and job creation," Luján said. "Today, I'm proud to welcome more than $28 million for water infrastructure in New Mexico which improves access to clean drinking water. This is a big deal for New Mexico."

SRF programs are designed to generate significant and sustainable water quality and public health benefits across the country. Their impact is amplified by the growth inherent in a revolving loan structure — payment of principal and interest on loans made are available to address future needs.

“Access to clean water is a human right,” Stansbury said. “That’s why I am so proud New Mexico is getting over $28 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help replace lead pipes in our communities. New Mexicans deserve water that is clean and safe, and this funding will ensure just that.”

For more information, including state-by-state allocation of 2024 funding, and a breakdown of EPA’s State Revolving Fund funding available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, visit the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund website and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund website.