N.M. Delegation Welcomes $22 Million to Provide High-Speed Internet to Socorro, Torrance, & Valencia Counties
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) welcomed $22 million via the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide high-speed internet to 783 people, 14 businesses, and 40 farms in Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia Counties in New Mexico.
This investment is made possible through congressional funding provided to USDA’s Rural Development, which offers loans, grants, and loan guarantees to help create jobs and support economic development and essential services in rural communities.
“I’m proud to welcome $22 million to connect New Mexicans living in Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia Counties to high-speed internet,” said Heinrich. “At a time when families are already feeling the strain of high utility costs, this funding will help lower barriers to opportunity — connecting New Mexicans to careers they can build their families around, helping local small business owners and farmers boost their sales online, and providing the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in their education and beyond.”
“I’m proud to welcome $22 million to connect families, businesses, and farms in Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia Counties to reliable high-speed internet — opening doors to education, health care, and job opportunities,” said Luján, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media. “This investment will strengthen local economies and expand opportunities for families. It’s a step forward in ensuring that every New Mexican community can compete and succeed in today’s world.”
“High-speed broadband isn’t a luxury anymore – it’s a necessity. This funding will help New Mexicans more easily access educational opportunities, run their businesses, and manage their farms.” said Leger Fernández. “I’m proud to have helped secure this vital funding to expand broadband access in our rural communities.”
“Every day we are working for New Mexico and our communities. Today, we’re excited to announce $22 million in federal funding to help bring more high-speed internet to Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia Counties,” said Stansbury. “Connecting our neighbors to high-speed internet ensures no one is left behind and will bring new jobs and opportunities to New Mexicans.”
“This federal investment in our community will change hundreds of lives in Socorro, Torrance, and Valencia Counties. By gaining access to high-speed internet, folks will be able to unlock game-changing new opportunities in business, education, health care, and more — expanding New Mexico’s economy and boosting our state’s quality of life,” said Vasquez.
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