SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Higher Education (HED) visited New Mexico college campuses in July and August of this year to conduct a summer infrastructure tour and capital expenditure summer hearing process. I heard a proposal for a new infrastructure project.

“The New Mexico Department of Higher Education and the administration of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham are committed to using the state budget responsibly for infrastructure projects that create jobs while creating safe and inclusive learning environments for students. “We are delighted to be returning to visit our beautiful statewide campuses to see firsthand the impact of higher education capital expenditure funds on students and local economies, and to announce our recommendations for the coming year.” I look forward to

Secretary Rodriguez and HED officials toured the following facilities:

Under Governor Lujan Grisham, $216 million has been invested in 28 public and tribal college campuses and three special school educational facilities statewide. New Mexico voters approved his $155.9 million through general obligation bonds for higher education in November 2019. State and local government support for higher education facilities and infrastructure ensures that New Mexico’s public high schools have modern, safe classrooms, labs, academic libraries, and other critical infrastructure. educational institutions are in place. For every $100,000 invested in higher education capital projects, one job is created for him, creating over 3,700 jobs since 2019.

The New Mexico Department of Higher Education Capital Expenditures Commission also hosted five regional hearings to consider proposed funding requests from the state’s 32 public and tribal colleges, universities, and special schools. . The Commission will consider and consider financing projects aimed at contributing to a quality educational environment, addressing major health and safety issues, retrofitting existing facilities, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings. We host public hearings each summer as part of an extensive review process to make recommendations. Recommended projects demonstrate support for key indicators such as student enrollment and retention, workforce needs, asset management, and a focus on energy and sustainability.

“The opportunity to travel the state for the capital expenditure summer hearings was a welcome change from the past two years. campus and emphasized the importance of what we do as custodians of state taxpayer money. Our investment in infrastructure will continue to support student success now and in the future.”

“For the Higher Education Capital Expenditure Committee, it has been beneficial to be able to see and hear the projects being done at higher education institutions. , we were able to gain a better understanding of the investments made in these universities and the benefits of future capital investments. We were able to meet members in person, something we haven’t been able to do since 2019.” .D.

In 2019, the New Mexico Department of Higher Education launched a new capital funding request and management system to collect, analyze, and manage annual capital expenditure funding requests from public and tribal colleges and universities in New Mexico. This species. The department will monitor the project throughout the year to ensure that the project is on schedule and funds are disbursed in a timely manner.

The Higher Education Capital Expenditure Commission and the New Mexico Department of Higher Education plan to release fiscal year 24 funding recommendations later this year for consideration during the 2023 regular legislative session. New Mexico voters have an opportunity to approve $215.5 million in funding to fund capital projects via GO Bonds for Higher Education on their ballot this November.passage of Bonds do not increase property taxes.

For more information on the capital expenditure process and funding for higher education, please visit the New Mexico Department of Higher Education website. website.