Terry Brunner
Many of the rich resources that we are known for in New Mexico come from our rural areas. We are known for our natural beauty, our specialty crops like chile and pecans, and our cultural heritage that is firmly grounded in our farm and ranching roots.
But new census numbers show us that our rural population is changing. During the past 10 years, the 13 New Mexico counties with declining population were rural. Shifting migration patterns resulted in New Mexicans moving from rural areas to our urban centers or other states.
While rural communities and areas are home to 1.26 million New Mexicans, more than a third of New Mexico’s 102 municipalities have fewer than 1,000 residents. Each of these rural communities is vital to the prosperity, character and culture of the Land of Enchantment.
Keeping rural NM vibrant and prosperous
To keep rural New Mexico vibrant and prosperous, three priorities should be emphasized: infrastructure, education and innovation.
Community and economic development is difficult in communities with a deteriorating or non-existent infrastructure. Water services, wastewater treatment, bridges, roads, sewers, electricity and telecommunications need to be in place for a community to prosper.
There is an incredible, constant demand to maintain and build infrastructure in rural New Mexico. In the past, many of these projects have been funded through congressional appropriations and state-funded capital outlay. However, dramatic decreases in those funding streams over the past two years have stymied the development and maintenance of critical rural infrastructure.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development agency is committed to investing in rural New Mexico. Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act alone, USDA Rural Development invested $91 million in fiscal year 2010 for broadband infrastructure throughout the state. In the past two fiscal years, we provided $150 million in financing for new hospitals, 48 rural water and wastewater projects, child care facilities, libraries and emergency equipment.
Together, these projects help advance our rural communities.
We must continue to invest in future generations by creating unique learning opportunities that will ensure young New Mexicans have the necessary skills to compete in the work place. USDA Rural Development agency funding for distance learning programs around the state of New Mexico ensures that those who live far from formal educational facilities may access coursework or training through remote sites or the Internet. These tools can also be leveraged to provide the workforce education and training necessary to start a successful business, a second job or a new career.
USDA Rural Development further encourages innovation by promoting the technologies and business support systems that will diversify our economy and complement our strong agricultural, small business, energy and natural resource economic drivers. We fund state-of-the-art energy projects like the Sapphire energy algae-based biodiesel plant in Columbus. We invest in projects to increase energy efficiency in small businesses and finance technological improvements to farm practices.
In Southern New Mexico, USDA Rural Development invested in a program led by the Community Action Agency of Southern New Mexico. They conduct door-to-door outreach in small communities like Hatch to assist small businesses to improve their marketing, accounting and basic businesses practices.
Brightening the future
By building infrastructure, enhancing education and fostering innovative practices, we brighten the future for our rural communities and, in turn, our state as a whole. A concerted effort on this front sustains and enhances the unique rural qualities that contribute to winning the future for all of New Mexico.
President Barack Obama appointed Terry Brunner to be New Mexico state director for USDA Rural Development on September 9, 2009.