Heinrich, Luján, Leger Fernández Welcome $400,000 In Federal Tribal Transit Investments For Pueblos Of Tesuque, Santa Clara And Jicarilla Apache Nation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.) are welcoming $400,000 in federal investments from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) Tribal Transit Program to improve transportation services for the Pueblos of Tesuque and Santa Clara and the Jicarilla Apache Nation.

“I’m proud to see the Infrastructure Law infusing the Tribal Transit Program with the funding it needs to support transportation services on Tribal lands,” said Heinrich. “These federal investments will help the Pueblos of Tesuque and Santa Clara and the Jicarilla Apache Nation make much needed improvements in public transit, all while increasing jobs and economic opportunities in their communities.”

“Public transit is vital for every New Mexico community, connecting families and loved ones through accessible means of transportation, especially on Tribal lands,” said Luján. “That’s why I’m pleased to welcome federal funding to help modernize transit for everyday use while providing more opportunities for economic growth.”

“I am pleased that Santa Clara, Tesuque, and the Jicarilla Apache Nation will receive these important transportation investments,” said Leger Fernández. “Our Pueblos and Tribes deserve reliable, consistent, and rapid public transit. I will continue to support projects and funding that grow our Tribal economies and bring good jobs and infrastructure to our Indigenous communities.”

FTA is awarding:

• $140,000 to the Pueblo of Tesuque
• $140,000 to the Pueblo of Santa Clara
• $120,000 to the Jicarilla Apache Nation

FTA’s Tribal Transit Program provides funding to Tribes to provide public transportation services on and around Indian reservations or Tribal land in rural areas. Tribes may use the funding for capital, operating, planning, and administrative expenses for public transit projects that meet the growing needs of rural Tribal communities. Examples of eligible activities include: capital projects; operating costs of equipment and facilities for use in public transportation; and the acquisition of public transportation services, including service agreements with private providers of public transportation services.

The awards announced by the FTA are for Fiscal Year 2022.

###