LAS CRUCES, NM – The Las Cruces City Council approved a resolution modifying the city’s American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding priorities and allocations to three nonprofit organizations, including Doña Ana Community College and New Mexico Workforce Solutions.
The resolution reauthorizes previously awarded ARPA funds, with the exception of a $1 million allocation to Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico/Bitwise Industries for a workforce training project. Bitwise Industries filed for bankruptcy on June 1, 2023, so the city decided to eliminate that allocation and create new workforce development programming.
The five new projects approved include a transitional job training program to help people who have lost their jobs find new job opportunities.
Also incorporated is a child care provider program to help families access affordable, quality child care services.
In addition, apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs are envisioned to help young people acquire the skills needed to enter the workforce, as well as an advanced manufacturing training program to help local businesses find qualified workers.
The total allocation for the five programs is $940,000, with an additional $60,000 set aside for additional programming or administrative costs.
“These new allocations reflect our priority to support economic and workforce development in our community,” said Mayor Ken Miyagishima. “We are committed to helping people find good jobs and businesses find qualified workers.”
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