NM Governor Announces $24 Million in Stimulus Funds for Schools, Colleges, Tribes and State Government Projects

October 6, 2009 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced more than $24 million in federal stimulus funds will go to schools, colleges, tribes and other agencies to improve energy efficiency all over New Mexico. The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department has awarded funding to 28 projects selected through a competitive process.

“These innovative projects throughout the state will provide energy savings through such things as installing solar power, energy efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems, and implementing web conferencing technologies,” Governor Richardson said. “The investments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will lead to significant energy conservation, which makes government more efficient and saves tax dollars."

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The U.S. Department of Energy’s State Energy Program is administered by the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Energy Conservation and Management Division.

“This is a unique opportunity to invest in green building, energy efficiency and conservation in urban and rural New Mexico,” said Joanna Prukop, Cabinet Secretary of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. “These projects will help create jobs and improve the economy."

The Energy Conservation and Management Division used a competitive process to select projects based on Recovery Act goals to improve the efficient use of energy in the building, transportation and other sectors. Projects encourage sustainable, "green" building practices, promote energy efficiency, renewable energy use and support existing programs. Today’s announcement took place at the Museum of International Folk Art one of the recipients. The museum will use funding for replacement of windows and heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment.

“We’re so pleased to be a recipient of this funding for improvements to our museum,” stated Stuart Ashman, Cabinet Secretary for Cultural Affairs. “Not only will the upgrades make us much more energy efficient and cut operating overhead, but they will also provide a safer place to preserve the wonderful folk art artifacts that fill the museum."

Separately, additional awards will be made to municipalities and counties through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program and announced in the coming weeks.

Source: New Mexico Governor