Outside rec initiatives obtain $2M+ in state funding

Sept. 25 – The Outdoor Recreation Division of the New Mexico Department of Economic Development has awarded more than $2 million to 20 projects across the state through the Outdoor Recreation Trails+ grant, according to a press release.

This is the second round of scholarship funding this year, with the first round being awarded in June earlier this year. That makes 35 projects funded through this EDD grant this year, totaling nearly $5 million in investments.

According to the press release, the funds will primarily be used to expand outdoor access and expand the state’s outdoor recreation economy through local and regional projects.

As per the state guidelines for the outdoor grant, there are two tiers – tier one focuses on local projects and has a $100,000 grant cap, while tier two focuses on regional projects and has a $500,000 cap.

“Outdoor recreation was identified early on by Governor (Michelle) Lujan Grisham as a way to diversify New Mexico’s economy and create jobs and more opportunities for rural communities,” EDD Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes said in a statement. “We are now seeing all parts of the state benefiting from these initiatives, with 65% of the projects announced today supporting rural or tribal communities.”

Recipients who received funding in the second round are:

City Springer – $300,000

City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreation Department, Open Space Division – $295,000

Zuni Youth Enrichment Project – $99,999

Rocky Mountain Youth Corps – $99,999

Pueblo of Acoma – $99,999

Healing America’s Heroes (financial sponsor is Village of Capitan) – $99,999

Albuquerque Mountain Bike Association – $99,999

City of Alamogordo – $99,000

Taos Land Trust – $99,000

Taos Academy Charter School – $96,000

Rio Grande Return – $94,078

Santa Fe Fat Tire Society – $93,000

Ghost of Hidalgo – $92,000

City of Clovis – $80,000

New Mexico Wildlife Federation – $71,958

The story goes on

Los Alamos District – $65,000

Aldo Leopold Charter School – $51,450

City of Sunland Park – $29,084

Audubon Southwest – $25,000

Sandoval County – $25,000

The state will award another round of grant funding this fall as it works with approximately $2.2 million in funding for the year, the press release said.

“Trails+ proposals reflect the passion and dedication of New Mexico’s community leaders who work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for the people and communities they serve,” said Kathy Whiteman, director of the Center for a Sustainable Future and outdoor programs, in a statement.