Rep. Harry Teague's 'Solutions for Southern New Mexico' Tour Highlights Local Projects

Rep. Teague listening to a constituent

Congressman Harry Teague has been traveling hundreds of miles within New Mexico's massive Second Congressional District (map) during the holiday recess to touch base with constituents. Besides listening to the views of those he's dedicated to representing, he's been spreading the word about the many projects he's helping to bring to the District during this era of economic challenges. Every dollar helps.

On Tuesday, January 5th, Rep. Teague stopped in Reserve, and traveled to Milan and Grants on Wednesday, January 6th, on his “Solutions for Southern New Mexico” tour. He continued to Socorro, Belen, Los Lunas and Bosque Farms on January 7th and 8th. During the weeklong tour Congressman Teague will visit all 18 counties in the 2nd Congressional District.

As part of his “Solutions for Southern New Mexico Tour,” Congressman Harry Teague is hosting a total of 20 “Harry in Your Hometown” events to meet with constituents throughout the district. According to a statement released by his office, the events held to date have been well attended and Congressman Teague has discussed issues ranging from improving veterans services, to healthcare and the state of the economy. On the economy front, Congressman Teague has updated constituents on the work he is doing to invest in communities create jobs and help turn the local economy around.

In addition to investments from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Congressman Harry Teague has worked with community leaders across southern New Mexico to secure funding for local projects, including:

Catron County:

• Reinvesting in our Communities. The Village of Reserve received over $1 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funds, which Congressman Teague helped to bring to the city, were used for the rehabilitation of downtown Reserve, main streets and transportation enhancements.

• Housing Improvement Projects. Congressman Teague worked with tribal leaders to secure over $1.3 million in stimulus funds for multiple housing improvement projects in the Zuni Pueblo. The funding went towards 15 projects that improved housing facilities and living conditions in the pueblo.

Cibola County:

• Keeping Kids Safe. Congressman Teague worked to secure $350,000 in funding for Acoma Pueblo’s Youth Mentoring Program. The funds will create a mentoring program for teenagers that have been identified as “high risk” by the Pueblo of Acoma tribal court system. The program aims to lower delinquency and related indicators such as substance abuse, violent behavior and truancy among Native youth and increase the number of high risk youth receiving mentoring. Teenagers involved in the program and high school peer mentors will have access to employment skills training and opportunities to experience adventure, skills-based activities intended to decrease risk factors associated with juvenile delinquency.

• Increasing Transportation Resources. The Pueblo of Laguna received $96,250 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to improve public transportation in the area. With the funding, the pueblo purchased an 8-passenger van with lift, a new bus shelter/garage for vehicles, and administrative office supplies.

Socorro County:

• Furthering Space Innovation. Congressman Teague worked to secure $4 million for Smart Instrument Development at the Magdalena Ridge Observatory, operated in part by New Mexico Tech. The funding will be used to support the development and sustainment of smart, advanced instrumentation for imaging space objects. This is in support of the existing MRO mission and will advance the capabilities of the observatory, particularly in the area of Space Situational Awareness (SSA).

• Strengthening Infrastructure. The Rio Grande Floodway project from San Acacia To Bosque Del Apache received $756,000 in funding to reconstruct approximately 44 miles of existing west side spoil bank levee located along the Rio Grande. The effort will enhance the protection of the Rio Grande Low-flow Conveyance Channel from Rio Grande flooding.

Valencia County:

• Enhancing Local Law Enforcement. Congressman Teague worked with community leaders to secure $400,000 for the Valencia County Law Enforcement Uniform Records Management System. Instituting the technology for a uniform law enforcement records management system for Valencia County will benefit all Law Enforcement in Valencia County, including the municipalities of Los Lunas, Belen, Bosque Farms and Peralta. The technology will allow all officers with every agency in the county to use and access the same records management system from the computers in their cars.

• Making Homes Energy Efficient. Central New Mexico Housing, Inc. was awarded $143,000 through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The funding was used to provide weatherization assistance to 24 low-income home owners in Valencia County. The efforts aim to reduce energy consumption and improve energy retention-including installing insulation for homes and modernizing large appliances such as air conditioners and heating units.