New Mexico tribes get $10M to close the digital divide, expand economic opportunity

The Biden-Harris Administration announced last week the approval of $10 million for multi-purpose facilities in tribal communities under the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF), part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

This investment will fund New Mexico’s Tribal Library Broadband-Ready Facility Improvement Program, which will construct a new child care center and expand six libraries and family resource centers to help ensure access to educational programming, health and career services, and social supports in their communities.

Upon completion of the projects, all facilities will provide broadband internet and computers to directly enable work, education and health monitoring within tribes, currently among the state’s least served in terms of broadband access. The facilities will serve thousands of people annually across seven pueblos, tribes and Indian nations across the state.

“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is a necessity to keep up with everyday life. But right now, too many tribes in New Mexico lack access to this essential service,” U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich said. “I’m proud to welcome $10 million from our American Rescue Plan to help tribes and pueblos close the digital divide and ensure that every family has the tools needed to thrive in their communities.”

Included in the funding is $1,318,500 for the pueblo of Sandia and $6,855,275 for the pueblo of Santo Domingo.

“This critical investment, made possible by the American Rescue Plan, gets us closer to 100% connectivity by delivering $10 million in funding to support libraries on tribal lands,” U.S. Sen. Ben Ray Luján said. “Senator Heinrich and I have long worked to expand federal support for broadband at tribal libraries. Whether completing homework, conducting research or operating in the digital economy, these libraries serve as an essential hub for communities around New Mexico. That’s why I’m honored to welcome this funding that will ensure seven libraries and family resource centers in tribal communities have access to a reliable internet connection.”

Sandia Pueblo wills use the funds for renovations to the Sandia Child Care Center, including roofing, interior construction, plumbing, HVAC systems and computers, classroom furniture and library furniture.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, and I am committed to honoring the unique needs of our tribal communities,” U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury said. “I am thrilled to welcome $10 million in funding from the American Rescue Plan, which will enhance child care and family resource centers and expand broadband access so that every New Mexican has access to affordable, high-speed internet, no matter where they live.”

Santo Domingo will use the funds for a new facility for the Santo Domingo Childhood and Care Center.

“I am honored to announce $10 million for New Mexico’s Tribal Library Broadband-Ready Facility Improvement Program — a vital step in bridging the digital gap across seven pueblos, tribes and nations in our state,” U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez said. “By prioritizing broadband internet and computer access, we’re ensuring Native American communities have the tools they need to access education, health services and career opportunities. I stand committed to supporting the sovereignty and prosperity of Indian Country and ensuring they have equal access to essential resources.”

This $10 million investment is in addition to the $117 million in CPF funding for broadband infrastructure in New Mexico announced in 2022, which will connect more than 40,000 homes and businesses to affordable, high-speed internet.

CPF funding is provided by the American Rescue Plan, legislation Heinrich, Luján and U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández passed in 2021 to deliver relief for New Mexico.

“By expanding access to high-speed internet and enhancing broadband-ready facilities in tribal communities, we are nurturing educational advancement, fostering health and career services, and strengthening social cohesion,” Leger Fernández said. “This is more than a $10 million investment for internet infrastructure; it is a testament to the Biden Administration’s and the New Mexico delegation’s commitment to equity and opportunity for everyone in Indian country.”