State awards nearly $2M in infrastructure grants to expand access to outdoors
ORD's Trails+ projects funded
Contact: AJ Jones
AJ.Jones@edd.nm.gov
(505) 795-0119
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 14, 2024
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
Acting Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper
ORD Director Karina Armijo
Outdoor Recreation Division awards nearly $2 million in a fourth round of funding through the Trails+ Grant
The Trails+ Grant supports outdoor infrastructure projects to expand access to the outdoors in New Mexico
SANTA FE, N.M. – The Outdoor Recreation Division (ORD) of the Economic Development Department (EDD) has announced the fourth round of fiscal year 2024 Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant recipients. ORD is awarding $1,944,944 in funding to 13 projects throughout the state to expand outdoor access and grow the New Mexico outdoor recreation economy.
“Since Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham created the Outdoor Recreation Division in 2019 and identified outdoor businesses as a key path to diversify New Mexico’s economy, the Economic Development Department through ORD has provided 147 grants in 29 counties with this innovative Outdoor Recreation Trails+ Grant program,” Acting EDD Cabinet Secretary Mark Roper said. “These are infrastructure and improvement dollars flowing to all corners of New Mexico to help communities support recreational amenities and create jobs.”
ORD has invested over $20 million to increase outdoor access through the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ and Outdoor Equity Fund programs. The Trails+ Grant was created in 2020 by the governor and lawmakers to support projects that connect communities to outdoor recreation opportunities, including trails, outdoor classrooms, community shelters, wildlife viewing areas, and more.
"We are thrilled to continue fostering the growth and accessibility of New Mexico's beautiful landscapes through the Trails+ Grant,” ORD Director Karina Armijo said. “This funding is not just an investment in infrastructure; it's an investment in community well-being, economic development, and the preservation of our natural heritage for future generations. By enhancing our outdoor spaces, we ensure that every New Mexican has the opportunity to connect with nature and experience the countless benefits of outdoor recreation."
The 13 new projects are expected to bring almost $1.5 million in matching funds and create 132 jobs. These new positions include full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles across the state.
The Trails+ Grant opened this fiscal year with $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding. Through multiple rounds of awards during, ORD supported a total of 57 projects with $7,627,513. Since the program was created in 2020, ORD has provided over 147 grants worth $15,152,649 to projects in 29 New Mexico counties.
“The City of Lovington is thrilled that we have been awarded the Trails+ Grant from the State of New Mexico’s Outdoor Recreation Division,” Lovington City Manager David Miranda said. “This significant grant will enhance access to and enjoyment of the 70 plus acres of Chaparral Park in Lovington. The grant will allow us to fund necessary changes and upgrades to the large outdoor structure, amphitheater and park amenities and assist with economic development by enhancing the region’s features. Without this funding, performing the necessary upgrades for the aging and dilapidated amphitheater and group shelter would have been challenging, if not impossible.”
A new grantee in FY24, the Santa Fe Rail Trail, is a collaborative endeavor between Santa Fe County and the City of Santa Fe. The Trails+ Grant assists in the continued development of a valuable community trail connecting Santa Fe Railyard to Lamy, 16 miles to the Southeast. ORD is also thrilled to work with a new trail group grantee from Carlsbad, the Cavern City Trail Keepers, who will install 11 cattleguards along the La Cueva Ridge Trail. This will enable community access to recreation areas without allowing livestock to stray from pastures onto the trail between the City of Carlsbad and Carlsbad Caverns National Park. The grant will support a wide variety of outdoor infrastructure projects.
“The Adaptive Sports Program of New Mexico (ASPNM) is proud to collaborate with the ORD to enhance inclusion and accessibility to outdoor recreation,” ASPNM Director of Development Camille Romero said. “ASPNM is a steadfast provider of adaptive sports for individuals with disabilities across New Mexico. Despite significant growth in our community of individuals served, our infrastructure has remained minimal. Thanks to the funding from the ORD Trails+ program, we will construct a much-needed and eagerly anticipated accessible facility at Ski Santa Fe. This initiative will help to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the joy and exhilaration that accompanies a day on the slopes!”
There is currently $2.3 million in funding available for Outdoor Recreation Trails+ FY24 and the Outdoor Recreation Division will be accepting Trails+ Grant submissions until June 30, 2024. Read the program guide for details on how to apply.
Meet the FY 2024 Round 4 Trails+ awardees:
Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico , $99,000, Santa Fe Ski Basin: The Adaptive Sports Program New Mexico facility will serve as a fully accessible welcome center for individuals with disabilities participating in adaptive skiing and snowboarding at Ski Santa Fe. It will provide a staging area for the numerous athletes and volunteers involved in ASPNM's winter sports programs, accommodating hundreds of participants throughout the season. Additionally, the facility will house ASPNM's extensive inventory of adaptive equipment, ranging from sit skis and ski bikes to outriggers and various other tools, ensuring accessibility for all individuals, regardless of ability, on the slopes.
Albuquerque Mountain Bike Association , $99,000, Sandia Crest: Albuquerque Mountain Bike Association (AMBA) in collaboration with the Sandia Ranger District of the Cibola National Forest, will build upon and…