Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today reported that New Mexico counties will share nearly $33 million in payment in lieu of taxes (PILT) funds.

PILT, which is a program administered through the Department of the Interior, compensates counties for federal property such as military bases and national parks, which cannot be taxed by local governments.

Because PILT was shortchanged each year in the annual appropriations process, Bingaman forcefully advocated for automatic full funding for the program – which many New Mexico counties rely heavily upon.  In 2008, Bingaman played a key role in negotiations that guaranteed full funding through fiscal year 2012, while also improving a separate initiative called the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act.  That effort resulted in significant funding for New Mexico in each of the last few years.

"PILT is always a very important part of local budgets in New Mexico.  But it has been increasingly important during the past few years, as county budgets have become tighter," Bingaman said.  "The $33 million being sent to New Mexico counties will help local governments deliver important services to all New Mexicans."

Funds will be distributed as follows:

BERNALILLO COUNTY: $187,461
CATRON COUNTY: $564,789
CHAVES COUNTY: $2,865,630
CIBOLA COUNTY: $1,567,088
COLFAX COUNTY: $111,857
DE BACA COUNTY: $101,145
DONA ANA COUNTY: $2,853,799
EDDY COUNTYL: $3,151,774
GRANT COUNTY: $1,707,636
GUADALUPE COUNTY: $147,605 
HARDING COUNTY: $106,690
HIDALGO COUNTY: $676,985
LEA COUNTY: $1,013,901
LINCOLN COUNTY: $1,475,786
LOS ALAMOS COUNTY: $82,450
LUNA COUNTY: $1,785,586
MCKINLEY COUNTY: $745,885
MORA COUNTY: $107,706
OTERO COUNTY COMMISSION: $2,658,915
QUAY COUNTY: $4,328
RIO ARRIBA COUNTY: $1,548,824
ROOSEVELT COUNTY: $25,817
SAN JUAN COUNTY: $2,070,333
SAN MIGUEL COUNTY: $643,509
SANDOVAL COUNTY: $2,115,153
SANTA FE COUNTY: $670,806
SIERRA COUNTY: $946,513
SOCORRO COUNTY: $1,052,793
TAOS COUNTY: $1,471,222
TORRANCE COUNTY: $242,089
UNION COUNTY: $140,810
VALENCIA COUNTY: $71,511

N.M. TOTAL: $32,916,396