Press Releases
Udall: Wesst to Receive $800,000 to Support New Mexico Small Businesses
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., today announced that the Women's Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST), a New Mexico nonprofit, will receive $800,000 from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration for the completion of an Enterprise Center to offer state-of-the-art amenities and business assistance programs for 18 to 30 new or expanding small businesses. The facility opened in January 2009, and it already serves five area small businesses. The additional r… Continue Reading
July 21, 2009
Bingaman & Udall: $11.06 Million in Stimulus Funding to Improve New Mexico Forest Facilities and Trails Across New Mexico
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that Forest Service is releasing $11.06 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for upgrades to forest facilities and trails across New Mexico."New Mexico's forests and trails attract visitors from around the country and are an important part of the state's tourist economy," Bingaman said. "The stimulus funding released today will put people to work while investing in our state's public lands.""Funding … Continue Reading
July 21, 2009
Udall Proposal to Make Skies, Roads Safer Gets Committee Nod
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., reported today that his legislation to help prevent drunk driving and dangerous "air rage" incidents won approval from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, of which Udall is a member. Udall's proposal would require airlines to train flight attendants and gate agents on recognizing and dealing with intoxicated or belligerent passengers. Current federal regulations prohibit an intoxicated person from boarding a flight,but it is … Continue Reading
July 17, 2009
Udall on Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall today released the following statement after the conclusion of the Senate Judiciary Committee hearings for U.S. Supreme Court Justice nominee Sonia Sotomayor. "The Judiciary Committee hearings have shown the country a qualified and experienced Supreme Court nominee in Sonia Sotomayor. Her hearings were tough but fair, and I think her experience both on the bench and as a prosecutor will add a unique perspective to the court. I am pleased that this nomination i… Continue Reading
July 17, 2009
Bingaman & Udall: $11.38 Million in Stimulus Funding to Improve Bus Services in Albuquerque
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that U.S. Department of Transportation is releasing $11.38 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for upgrades to Albuquerque's bus system. Funding will be used to enhance the operation of ABQ Ride - the city's bus service. Specifically, money will be used to purchase and install fare boxes and related technology on 72 buses; to purchase kiosks and related security equipment for several transit centers… Continue Reading
July 16, 2009
Bingaman & Udall: New Mexico Communities To Benefit from $1.6 Million in Stimulus Funds
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that the federal government is releasing over $1.6 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant funding to support housing and economic development projects in New Mexico. "This funding for communities across our state will help meet the housing needs of many in New Mexico, while creating much needed jobs," Bingaman said. "The Community Development Block Grant program is important to preserving and rehabilitating a… Continue Reading
July 16, 2009
Udall Congratulates the Rail Runner on Third Anniversary
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall, today congratulated the New Mexico Rail Runner Express on three years of successful service. "The third anniversary of the Rail Runner Express is yet another accomplishment for New Mexico. The Rail Runner offers commuters a pleasant alternative to driving and provides a scenic ride on clean and comfortable trains. It can be much better than sitting in traffic on I-25," said Udall. "The success of the Rail Runner shows that New Mexicans are doing their part to… Continue Reading
July 14, 2009
New Mexico Delegation Announces Nearly $2 Million in Energy Efficiency Rebates
Washington, DC - Tuesday, the New Mexico Congressional delegation announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has made $1,903,927.00 available for energy efficiency rebates for purchases of new ENERGY STAR qualified home appliances. The funding was made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. "This appliance rebate initiative was written into law in 2005, but the Recovery Act is the first opportunity we've had to fund it. By helping New Mexicans purchase energy-savin… Continue Reading
July 13, 2009
N.M. Congressional Delegation: Holloman Will be Home to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today joined Rep. Harry Teague in announcing that Holloman Air Force Base has been selected as home to two types of unmanned aerial vehicles used in military reconnaissance. As a result of this announcement, Holloman is slated to receive 10 MQ-1s this year, and 12 next in 2010. The base is also scheduled to receive five MQ-9s this year and 11 in 2010. "Unmanned aerial vehicles are playing an increasingly important role in our nation's abili… Continue Reading
July 10, 2009
Udall Serving YoU
Carlsbad, N.M. - A staff member for U.S. Senator Tom Udall, D-N.M., will be holding 'Udall Serving YoU' Office Hours for Gallup area residents needing help with the federal government from 1-3 p.m. on Monday, July 13. Udall staffer Cal Curley will be on-hand at the Northwest New Mexico County of Governments on 409 South 2nd Street on Monday to assist individuals who need help with a federal issue. Residents may schedule a meeting with Cal, by calling (505) 346-6791, or just stop by. "If you're h… Continue Reading
July 10, 2009
Congressional Delegation Announces Over $38 Million in Recovery Funds to Build Homes in New Mexico
WASHINGTON - New Mexico's Congressional Delegation today announced that communities around New Mexico will receive a total of $38.25 million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to construct or acquire and rehabilitate housing for low-income families and individuals. The resources are intended to protect and expand constructions jobs while making it easier for families to find affordable housing. "Unfortunately, the current economic situation has increased the number of peo… Continue Reading
July 10, 2009
Bingaman & Udall: New Mexico to Receive Nearly $13 Million to Promote Clean Energy
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that New Mexico will receive $12.7 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for its State Energy Program. Activities eligible for State Energy Program funding include energy audits, building retrofits, education and training efforts, transportation programs to increase the use of alternative fuels and hybrid vehicles, and new financing mechanisms to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. "T… Continue Reading
July 09, 2009
Bingaman & Udall: ARRA Funds to Help Clean Up Underground Petroleum Leaks in New Mexico
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that the Environmental Protection Agency is releasing $1.5 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to help with the cleanup of petroleum leaks from underground storage tanks. "Leaks in underground petroleum storage tanks can have a devastating effect on the environment. Petroleum can seep into underground drinking water and become a public health problem. The funding released today by the EPA will he… Continue Reading
July 09, 2009
Governor Bill Richardson & Senator Tom Udall Announce Plans to Study High-Speed Rail Linking New Mexico, Colorado & Texas
SANTA FE- Governor Bill Richardson and Senator Tom Udall today announced that New Mexico is partnering with Colorado and Texas to take the initial steps in developing a high-speed rail corridor between El Paso and Denver running through New Mexico. Congress has authorized up to eleven high-speed corridors across the U.S. Currently only 10 corridors have been designated. The three-state partnership is seeking the 11th designation and will be applying for federal funds to conduct a viability study… Continue Reading
July 09, 2009
N.M. Senators: Key Spending Bill Contains Funding for N.M. Labs, Water Projects
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today applauded a spending bill working its way through the Senate for the level of funding it provides to New Mexico's two national laboratories, and to a variety of key water-related projects. The Senate's version of the 2010 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill cleared its Senate Appropriations Subcommittee and is now ready for full committee consideration. The measure contains $30 million for upgrades to the Los Alamos Neutron Science Ce… Continue Reading
July 08, 2009
Bingaman & Udall: Indian Communities Set to Receive Nearly $5 Million for Water Improvements
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today announced that six Native American communities in New Mexico will share nearly $5 million for water improvements. Funding comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the Environmental Protection Agency and the Indian Health Service. "This nearly $5 million investment of stimulus funding will be used to improve water infrastructure in six communities in New Mexico. It will create good jobs in the short term, and provid… Continue Reading
July 07, 2009
Bingaman & Udall Press for Drought Declaration for 7 New Mexico Counties
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today urged U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to quickly approve New Mexico's request for a natural disaster declaration for seven counties due to severe drought and high winds. In a letter to Vilsack the Senators said that since last October farmers and ranchers in Otero, Lincoln, De Baca, Roosevelt, Lea, Eddy and Chaves counties have continued to suffer losses due to dry weather. A disaster declaration would help provide access to fed… Continue Reading
July 01, 2009
Bingaman & Udall Announce $2.5 Million for Albuquerque-Area Water Project
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall announced today that the federal government is releasing $2.5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for an Albuquerque-area water project. Funding will help the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority with the construction of one phase of the Southside Municipal Effluent Polishing and Water Reclamation Project, which will provide highly treated municipal and industrial effluent for irrigation and industrial de… Continue Reading
June 26, 2009
Udall to Hold Town Halls, Office Hours and Tobacco Free Kids Event Over July 4th Recess
Santa Fe, N.M. - U.S. Senator Tom Udall will hold a series of public events in New Mexico next week including town hall meetings in Albuquerque, Socorro, Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces where he will discuss and take questions about the challenges and achievements of the first six months of the 111th Congress and distribute his new GI Bill Resource and Application Guide to post-9/11 veterans or their family members in attendance. The Veterans' Administration will begin distributing these be… Continue Reading
June 25, 2009
Bingaman & Udall Seek National Park Service Study on Future of Valles Caldera
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall today asked the National Park Service to assess the potential for including the Valles Caldera National Preserve in the National Park System.The senators point out that the trust that governs the Valles Caldera is set to expire in 2020. In anticipation of that date, various ideas about the future management of the preserve are being investigated. In a letter to National Park Service Acting Director Daniel Wenk, the senators said they believe… Continue Reading
