Acoma Pueblo Community Center Funded by ARRA-Rural Development Now Open

USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner (right) joined Acoma Pueblo Governor Chandler Sanchez and Congressman Harry Teague in dedicating Acoma’s new $13.1-million community building yesterday. The $12,609,600 loan and $500,000 grant to construct the new facility were made possible through funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

According to a statement released by Rural Development, the project is one of the largest ARRA-funded community facilities projects in the State of New Mexico. The funding is administered by USDA Rural Development’s Community Facility Program, which provides rural communities financing for these types of community buildings.

The 50,000-square-foot single story facility will house the Acoma Pueblo tribal administration offices and a new council chamber. The remainder of the building will include a health office and wellness facilities, a much needed gymnasium and a gathering place for community-wide functions. The new community center will serve the 5,000 Acoma Pueblo residents as well as surrounding tribes, communities and small villages covering many square miles of sparsely populated area.

During the dedication ceremonies, Brunner said, “USDA Rural Development is proud to be a partner in the construction of this facility. Recovery Act funds helped make this necessary project a reality. The new community center will provide a central location for a wide range of services needed by the residents of the Pueblo of Acoma.”

During a tour of the building, Brunner was shown the new health offices and wellness center. It was explained that this portion of the new facility is especially important to the residents of Acoma Pueblo because of the high incidence of diabetes and other ailments. The residents will now be able to visit one location for medical treatment which will lead to a healthier way of life.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at any local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development’s web site.