The bipartisan legislation would help state agencies, colleges, and rural municipalities receive critical federal funds for infrastructure and other community projects

Santa Fe, N.M. - Today, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 177, which would help New Mexico unlock federal matching funds for important rural and infrastructure projects, by a unanimous vote. 

House Bill 177 would create a $100 million New Mexico Match Fund to provide state and local agencies with the state match often required to receive federal infrastructure funds. It would also help offset the higher project costs that can be incurred to comply with federal grant requirements. 

“We cannot afford to miss this opportunity to maximize federal investments in infrastructure projects that will create good-paying jobs and benefit communities across our state for decades to come,” said sponsor Rep. Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque). 

Local municipalities, water associations, public colleges and universities, state agencies and institutions, and federally recognized tribes, nations, and pueblos would be eligible to receive money from the New Mexico Match Fund if they are awarded the corresponding federal grant.  

House Bill 177 is also sponsored by Representatives Susan Herrera (D-Embudo) and Gail Armstrong (R-Magdalena), and Senators Pete Campos (D-Las Vegas) and Pat Woods (R-Broadview). The bill now heads to the Senate. 

The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2024 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.