Lujan Highlights $500,000 for New Mexico Through the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District highlighted today more than $500,000 in funding for the state of New Mexico through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). These resources will help fund outdoor recreation and conservation projects as part of a $43 million investment in all 50 states, the territories, and the District of Columbia.
“New Mexico is blessed with precious lands that are a part of our culture and way of life,” Congressman Luján said. “Ensuring the protection and preservation of our land and water is essential and the Land and Water Conservation Fund provides important resources that help create more opportunities for our communities to enjoy the great outdoors. In addition, investments in outdoor recreation strengthen an important sector that contributes to New Mexico’s economy and creates jobs in our communities.”
For the past 50 years, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped increase access to outdoor recreation resources by providing funds to federal, state, and local governments to purchase land, water, and wetlands. The primary source of revenue to LWCF is from federal oil and gas leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. Over the past five decades, New Mexico has received nearly $250 million that have helped fund projects in the Santa Fe National Forest, the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, and the Bandelier National Monument. This year, New Mexico is receiving $507,107. A recent analysis found that every $1 invested in land acquisition through LWCF generated a $4 return on the investment.
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