$11.9M investment in border infrastructure
Expanded funding for border projects
Contact: Chris Chaffin
Chris.Chaffin@edd.nm.gov
(505) 490-7962
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 30, 2025
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham
Cabinet Secretary Rob Black
Deputy Cabinet Secretary Isaac Romero
NMBA Executive Director Gerardo Fierro
New Mexico commits $11.9M to expand border planning and infrastructure
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) and the New Mexico Border Authority (NMBA) are expanding the state’s investment in border planning and infrastructure development with an additional $4.2 million in funding.
This expanded funding will enable the state to move forward with more than ten previously stalled border projects, like feasibility studies and planning for ports of entry, transportation corridors, utilities, and site readiness. These projects include the Border Highway Connector, Santa Teresa’s elevated water tank, Columbus’s wastewater pond and water tank, flood control berms in Columbus, and road and drainage upgrades in Hidalgo County.
The state’s investment strengthens project readiness and positions these efforts to leverage future federal, private, and binational partnerships.
The original Memorandum of Agreement between EDD and the NMBA, signed last year, created a collaborative framework to advance border planning projects and studies focused on economic development, infrastructure readiness, and regional coordination across New Mexico’s border communities. The amendment, signed this week, adds $4.2 million in funding, bringing the total state investment in border infrastructure to $11.9 million.
“Planning is what turns momentum into execution,” said NMBA Executive Director Gerardo Fierro . “This funding allows us to move critical projects forward, strengthen coordination with local, state, and federal partners, and build a stronger pipeline of border infrastructure investments that support trade, jobs, and regional competitiveness.”
The amended agreement underscores the state’s coordinated approach to border development and reinforces the role of strategic planning as a foundation for sustainable economic growth in New Mexico’s border regions.
The New Mexico Border Authority is an executive branch state agency that leads border planning and infrastructure development for New Mexico and serves as the governor’s primary advisor on border-related matters. NMBA works with state, local, federal, and international partners to strengthen trade, mobility, and economic growth in border communities and is administratively attached to EDD.
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Funding will support the completion of several water and wastewater infrastructure investments, including $3.2 million toward the Santa Teresa elevated water tank and $2.3 million for flood control berm improvements.
EDD’s mission is to improve the lives of New Mexico families by increasing economic opportunities and providing a place for businesses to thrive. EDD’s programs contribute directly to this mission by funding workforce training and infrastructure that supports business growth, helping every community create a thriving economy.
New Mexico Economic Development Department
EDD.NewMexico.gov
New Mexico Economic Development Department | 1100 South St. Francis Dr Joseph M. Montoya Building | Santa Fe, NM 87505-4147 US
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