City accepts nearly $9.5 million in state, federal grants, appropriations

At its Oct. 2 regular meeting, the Las Cruces City Council authorized the city to accept grant awards for various city departments and programs, including nearly $9 million for public transportation, along with park improvements, police equipment and feeding people struggling with homelessness.

The grant awards include:

• A $5.72 million Federal Transportation Administration “Low-and-No Emission” grant to purchase battery-electric buses and electric chargers.
• A more than $3 million New Mexico Department of Transportation grant to cover 100 percent of eligible RoadRUNNER Transit operating expenses for fiscal year 2024, or until fully spent.
• A New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) appropriation of $175,00 for improvements at Veterans Memorial Park.
• A DFA appropriation of $125,000 for a dental suite at Mesilla Valley Community of Hope.
• A DFA appropriation of $100,000 for supportive housing for families with disabilities.
• A DFA appropriation of $75,000 to the Las Cruces Police Department to purchase body cameras and related equipment.
• A DFA appropriation of $75,000 for refrigerated vehicles or equipment to help feed the homeless.
• A New Mexico Tourism Department grant of $37,621 “Clean and Beautiful” grant to address littering and waste
• A grant for $4,200 to increase participation in the city’s Meals on Wheels Loves Pets program, from the Meals on Wheels America’s Storytelling Grant Program.