Udall rallies agencies

A federal resources road show headed by U.S. Sen. Tom Udall brought together several state, federal agencies with officials of Eastern New Mexico communities to discuss available resources.

"The purpose of this event is to bring these agencies to an area where the officials of rural communities can meet with them," Udall said. "If these meetings were to be held in Albuquerque only, there would be a great many officials who would not be able to attend."

The event, held Wednesday at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari featured speakers from agencies including the New Mexico Finance Authority, United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development and Eastern Plains Council of Government.

"Having a chance to network with so many agencies is great," said Mayor Pro Tem Robert Lumpkin.

Lumpkin said many of the representatives speaking at the event are the very people officials will work when seeking funding for projects.

Udall said six resource roadshows are being held across the state, each with the purpose of providing a forum for rural officials to meet with the various agencies. He said the event will benefit the newly elected and reelected officials greatly.

"I spoke with the new mayor of Clayton, who has never worked in government before," Udall said. "This event will give him a chance to become familiar with the agencies, officials he will be working with in the future."

Lumpkin said the event is beneficial to both seasoned and newly elected officials.

"In the past 10 years I have worked with many of the agencies here," Lumpkin said. "I was able to learn about new funding sources, resources that could be accessed to benefit Tucumcari's growth."

Udall said the agencies involved in the roadshow are those that can help with funding and planing for housing, infrastructure projects and economic development.

"Rural officials are working to answer the demands of their community, economic growth, infrastructure improvements and youth retention," Udall said.

One of the new agencies presenting at the event was, Grow New Mexico, a company geared toward assisting communities and non-profits with grant writing, project planning and advisory services.

The Albuquerque based firm was founded by Phil Schiliro and Terry Brunner, former director for the New Mexico USDA Rural Development.

Brunner said during his seven years working for rural development he managed investments of more than $1 billion in housing, small business and renewable energy developments. He said he has a vast knowledge of funding that is available for innovative projects in New Mexico that are struggling to progress.