Congressman breaks down how federal funding will benefit South Valley

SOUTH VALLEY, N.M. — The South Valley and other parts of the metro are expected to receive millions in federal funding to help in a variety of areas.

New Mexico Congressman Gabe Vasquez represents Congressional District 2, which now includes the South Valley after congressional lines were redrawn.

“I just want to just let folks know how important this area is to the entire district because it is the new part of our district,” Vasquez said.

The district was allocated about $10 million from the House Appropriations Bill to fund various community projects. That’s a third of what Vasquez says he originally requested – but even so, this comes as good news to farmers.

“We’re actually looking at opening up access to credit for young farmers in the South Valley and also in Valencia County, by allowing them to have easier access to government credit,” Vasquez said.

This means it would be easier for young or disadvantaged farmers to buy their own land instead of having to lease it.

Another goal for the congressman?

“When it comes to public safety, I know that it’s really important in the South Valley,” Vasquez said.

That includes tackling crime connected to fentanyl, like investing money in new technology to follow the dangerous drug and prevent it from landing in the hands of children.

Another big earmark includes another million for Albuquerque’s West Side to reconstruct a more than 2-mile portion of Atrisco Vista Boulevard.