Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today announced that the Pueblo of Laguna has been approved for a $16.66 million low-interest federal loan and a $10 million grant for improvements to the Pueblo's water and sewer infrastructure.

Funding will be used to make improvements to address serious health concerns related to safe drinking water availability, water quality, and fire protection, meeting current and future domestic water demands, and reducing operation and maintenance costs associated with the current water and sewer systems with the Pueblo of Laguna.

"Contaminated drinking water is a serious health concern for any community.  This funding approved today will help the Pueblo of Laguna make the upgrades needed to ensure the safety of its residents," Bingaman said.

The existing water distribution systems were constructed over 20 years ago and have passed their useful design life.  As a result, breaks in water distribution and sanitary sewer lines as well as failure of related infrastructure such as isolation or gate valves and flushing hydrants routinely occur.

The loan will be paid back over 40 years at a 2.375 percent interest rate.

Santo Domingo Pueblo was also awarded an $828,304 grant to make upgrades to their existing water system.  The current system is 30 years old and is prone to developing leaks that introduce contaminants and exacerbate problems with water production. The replacement system will primarily replace service line connections and install water meters. The system will also be designed to include fire protection.

Additionally, the Quemado Lake Water Association, Inc. will receive a $432,850 grant to purchase and install several fire hydrant assemblies and flush hydrant assemblies in various areas within the service area.

All funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Office.