The Biden-Harris administration announced Friday that it has approved $10 million in funding for multi-use facilities in tribal communities under the U.S. Treasury Department’s Capital Projects Fund (CPF) as part of President Biden’s investment policy in the United States. . The announcement was made at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Friday’s announcement will provide funding for the New Mexico Tribal Library Broadband Enabled Facility Improvement Program. The program will build a new child care center and improve and expand six libraries and family resource centers in tribal communities to ensure Native Americans have access to educational programs, health care, and career services. , and social support in the community.
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Once the project is complete, all facilities will have broadband internet and computers, directly enabling jobs, education, and health monitoring within communities that are currently the least served by broadband access in the state. New Mexico estimates the facility will annually serve thousands of tribal community members from the state’s seven pueblo tribes, tribes and Indian nations.
“Connecting workers and families to job training, education, and health care is key to expanding economic opportunity,” said Wally Adeyemo, deputy U.S. Treasury secretary. “These resources from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan will increase access to high-speed internet in some of New Mexico’s least connected tribal communities and help Indian counties thrive.”
“Through the American Rescue Plan, President Biden is enacting legislation that represents the largest single investment in Indian Country in our nation’s history,” said Gene Sperling, senior adviser to President Biden and coordinator of the White House’s American Rescue Plan. I’m very proud to have signed it.” “American Rescue Plan funds committed by the Governor. Lujan Grisham Improving and modernizing libraries and child care centers in Pueblo communities is a great way to leverage these funds to ensure our children emerge from the pandemic with a brighter and stronger future. Join Governor Lujan Grisham, these pueblo leaders, and the Albuquerque community on how they are building economic and educational opportunity from bottom to middle, as President Biden strongly believes. It’s an honor to be able to see it firsthand. ”
“Investing in broadband and other critical infrastructure is essential to the health and well-being of our entire tribal community,” said New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. “The funding announced today will improve access to education, workforce development tools, career counseling, telehealth, and other services that create opportunity and improve lives. The Biden Administration’s commitment to supporting New Mexico tribes will be grateful to.”
“The Sandia Pueblo Tribal Council recognizes that research has shown that the shape of buildings, especially school buildings, can influence brain development. Many of our current schools are 50 ~60 years ago. These buildings were not designed with change in mind, they have a very static, linear design,” said Felix Chavez, Governor of Sandia Pueblo. he said. “21st century educators are developing new and innovative teaching methods, but outdated spaces are getting in the way of providing the best learning experience for students. Rather than choosing a design, the Blossom Circular Plan was developed to stimulate creativity in children who develop new ways of thinking about the world and are no longer bound by linear thinking patterns. dimensional and building design needs to reflect this.”
“Access to reliable, high-speed internet is essential to sustaining daily life. But currently, too many tribes in New Mexico lack access to this critical service,” said Senator Martin Heinrich. the lawmaker said. “He is pleased to welcome $10 million from the American Rescue Plan to help tribes and pueblos close the digital divide and ensure all families have the tools they need to thrive in their communities. I’m proud.”
“This important investment made possible by the American Rescue Plan provides $10 million in funding to support libraries on tribal lands, moving them closer to 100% connectivity. ” said Sen. Ben Ray Luján. “Senator Heinrich and I have worked for years to expand federal support for broadband in tribal libraries. Whether they are completing homework, conducting research, or operating in the digital economy, these Our libraries serve as important hubs for communities around New Mexico, which is why we are proud to welcome this funding that will ensure seven libraries and family resource centers in tribal communities have access to reliable internet connectivity. think.”
“We are proud to announce $10 million for the New Mexico Tribal Library Broadband Enabled Facilities Improvement Program, an important step in bridging the digital divide across the state’s seven pueblos, tribes and nations.” Gabe said Congressman Vasquez (NM-02). “By prioritizing broadband internet and computer access, we are ensuring Native American communities have the tools they need to access education, health services, and career opportunities. We are committed to supporting the sovereignty and prosperity of nations and ensuring they have equal access to essential resources.”
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Capital Projects Fund is a partnership between states, territories, and free federations to fund critical capital projects that expand economic opportunity and provide internet connectivity to unmet needs communities. Provides $10 billion to state and tribal governments. CPF funding helps close the digital divide and bring workforce, education and health services to communities in need through investments in high-speed internet, multi-purpose community facilities, and digital technologies such as those announced today. Masu.
Friday’s announcement is in addition to $117 million in CPF funding for New Mexico’s broadband infrastructure announced in 2022, with the state estimating that more than 40,000 homes and businesses will have access to affordable high-speed infrastructure. It will be connected to the internet. To date, the Treasury Department has provided more than $9.2 billion in CPF funding for broadband, digital technology, and multipurpose community center projects in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching more than 2 million locations with improved internet access. services will be provided. . In addition, hundreds of thousands of people a year will be served by multi-purpose community facilities and digital technology programs. An additional $78 million in CPF awards went to 440 tribal governments.
This CPF funding is an example of how the Biden-Harris Administration is making strengthening the self-determination and economic vitality of tribal and indigenous peoples a key priority, including through the implementation of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan (ARP). It is. The ARP includes more than $30 billion for tribal governments, including $20 billion from the State and Local Financial Recovery Fund (SLFRF) program, the largest funding for Indian nations in U.S. history. This is the largest single injection of federal funds into the country. This week, during virtual remarks at the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED)’s 2024 Reservation Economic Summit (RES), Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen announced that the announced new small business funding. ), reauthorized and expanded by ARP. To date, the Treasury Department has approved $265 million in SSBCI funding for 80 tribes.
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