Governor Bill Richardson Announces $180 Million To Construct, Expand and Renovate Schools Across New Mexico

Governor Bill Richardson Announces $180 Million To Construct, Expand and Renovate Schools Across New Mexico

SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson and legislative leaders today announced $180 million in state money to help New Mexico communities invest in modern, new classrooms.

This year's funding is on top of last year's record $230 million that was invested in the most pressing local school construction projects.

The money will provide much-needed capital for communities across the state, including: Gallup, Grady, Taos, West Las Vegas, Deming, Chama Valley, Grants, Roswell, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces and Gallup.

"The days of only some school districts being able to afford modern, new schools are over," Governor Bill Richardson said. "In four years, we have invested over half a billion in classrooms across the state.

Governor Richardson and legislative leaders announced the new funding that resulted from the state's recently revised process for prioritizing and paying for school construction projects. The Public School Capital Outlay Council worked with school districts to determine the most pressing needs and invest state money in as many projects as possible. In each case, local districts will be required to match the state funding with local contributions.

"This process puts politics aside and places the classroom first-evaluating dozens of projects based on the needs of the community. I'm especially pleased by their efforts to maximize the impact of the state dollar-pushing to renovate existing schools or build new schools-depending on what is most cost-effective," Governor Richardson said.

Under the Standards-Based, High-Priority, and Roof Repair assistance program, 32 school districts will receive nearly $130 million in state funds to complete 67 projects. Importantly the state will provide $45.7 million in additional funds to ongoing projects. Thirteen school districts will receive $5.1 million in school facilities leasing assistance, including 58 charter schools. Total state funding for all public school capital outlay programs this year was just under $180 million.

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http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press/2006/august/080106_01.pdf