New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson (D) proposed creating a tribal infrastructure fund and expanding scholarship opportunities for tribal college students in his State of the State address on Tuesday.

Richardson said the Tribal Infrastructure Fund will help tribes receive state money for capital projects. "And for the first time we�re proposing an infrastructure fund for our Native Americans to make sure they are treated fairly in the capital outlay process and receive investments they need," he said.

Richardson also said he wanted to expand the state lottery scholarship program to include Native American students who attend tribal colleges. There are three such institutions in the state.

Indian Affairs Secretary Benny Shendo, Jr., of Jemez Pueblo, welcomed the initiatives, which were proposed by his department. "We look forward to working closely with the Governor�s Office, legislators, and the tribal communities and Indian organizations so that the Tribal Infrastructure Fund succeeds this legislative session," he said.

Relevant Links:
New Mexico Indian Affairs Department - http://www.state.nm.us/oia

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