(The Center Square) – The New Mexico Economic Development Department and New Mexico MainStreet are providing $10 million in Capital Outlay funding to 11 community revitalization projects in affiliated Main Street districts.
The NMMS Capital Outlay program funds upgrades for public infrastructure in targeted public investment areas. It does this in hopes of boosting local economies, improving public safety and fostering job creation.
“Capital Outlay funding from the New Mexico Legislature supports infrastructure projects statewide that upgrade utilities, improve public safety and ADA access, preserve historic assets, and much more. We’re grateful for this funding because these visible improvements make MainStreet districts safer and more accessible/welcoming for the entire community,” Acting Economic Development Secretary Jon Clark said.
Working with districts, NMMS identifies catalytic economic development projects based on the community’s Master Plan, Cultural Economic Development Plan, or Metropolitan Redevelopment Area Plan.
The projects in question must “impact the local economy, improve the appearance and functionality of the district, create connectors, and engage local property/business owners,” a release said.
Eligible projects include upgrades to streets, sewers, utilities, lighting, pedestrian safety, street amenities, wayfinding, landscaping, placemaking and performance/gathering spaces.
“We’re thankful for the Legislature’s continued support for this vital program that transforms communities for the better. These public infrastructure projects are years in the making – they require innovative planning and coordination among many key players. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients, and thank you to all the project partners for working diligently to improve New Mexico communities,” NMMS Director Daniel Gutierrez said.
Funded projects include:
Barelas MainStreet – $4,000,000 Great Blocks on MainStreet Project: Historic South 4th StreetBelen MainStreet – $1,690,000 Great Blocks on MainStreet Project: First and Becker St. Pedestrian Improvement Phase 2 ConstructionClovis MainStreet – $500,000 Lyceum Theater: Phase 3/Final RenovationsHistoric Downtown Farmington – $50,000 Revitalization of Orchard Park ProjectLovington MainStreet – $400,000 Lea Theater Renovations: Lights On (stage, sound, & lighting for entertainment)Nob Hill MainStreet – $114,000 Central Avenue (Carlisle Blvd. to Washington St.) Pedestrian Safety Improvements and Street AmenitiesRuidoso Midtown Association – $265,000 Pedestrian & Parking Lot Improvements ProjectSouth Valley MainStreet – $410,000 Dolores Huerta Gateway Park Project: La Familia Growers MarketTaos MainStreet – $1,000,000 Taos Plaza Improvements: Phases 1, 2, & 3MainStreet Truth or Consequences – $1,016,000 Great Blocks on MainStreet Project: South Foch Street ConstructionZuni MainStreet – $555,000 Great Blocks in Zuni Project: Zuni MS/State Highway 53 Artist, Food, & Pop-up Vendors Park
“Great Blocks on MainStreet projects are intensive infrastructure projects that dramatically upgrade a core two-three block commercial area in a district through the implementation of urban and landscape design, architecture, and creative economy projects,” the release explained.
In the 2024 legislative session, EDD wants another $10 million in Capital Outlay funding. NMMS has a funding gap of $17.1 million for construction-ready projects, the release said.
