≡-New Mexico’s Destination Forward Program Powers Record 14 Tourism Infrastructure Projects with Over One Million Dollars in Grants to Enhance Visitor Experience Across the State – Viral of Today

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Home » America Travel News » New Mexico’s Destination Forward Program Powers Record 14 Tourism Infrastructure Projects with Over One Million Dollars in Grants to Enhance Visitor Experience Across the State Friday, July 11, 2025The New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) continues to move boldly forward through the development of the state’s tourism infrastructure as demonstrated by investment in a record 14 projects through the third year of the Destination Forward program. \$1.8 million in grant funding will support the improvement and construction of tourism-related infrastructure statewide, intended to improve the visitor experience and directly aid local economies.“Infrastructure investment in tourism is crucial to responsible destination management,” said Acting Secretary Lancing Adams. “As the Destination Forward Program’s influence continues to expand, it becomes an integral part of our work to attend to the needs of statewide communities.”As the Destination Forward Program was initiated for the first time in the 2024 fiscal year, the program has been increasing consistently, providing funding for projects intended to enhance tourist-related facilities, comforts, and attractions. In the first year of the program, the program funded almost \$1.9 million to 10 tourist infrastructure projects. In the 2025 fiscal year, the program financed 12 projects amounting to \$2.35 million grants.The Destination Forward Program’s one and only mission is to grant funding for the planning, design, building, and renovating of visitor-serving infrastructure that enhances the overall visitor experience. Those receiving grants this year have a diversified array of projects, all which are intended to build the tourism industry in localities throughout the state. Some of the large initiatives funded during the 2026 fiscal year are:Town of Red River – Digital Information KiosksThe Town of Red River will install five interactive information kiosks at strategic locations throughout the town. They will include real-time access to event calendars, business listings, emergency information, weather, and transit schedules. Communication, visibility for business, and the visitor experience are project targets. Grant award: \$40,634.Picuris Pueblo – Upgrade to the Museum and Interpretive Center FacilityPicuris Pueblo, which had a previous grant through the Rural Pathway Program, will use Destination Forward funds to finish current renovations to the pueblo’s museum. Specifically, the grant will cover the resurfacing of the museum’s parking lot, which will provide better access to visitors. Grant award: \$200,666.City of Bayard – Mine Mill Museum Planning and DesignThe City of Bayard is transforming the former Union Hall into the Mine Mill Museum, a local cultural center for the use of people as well as visitors. Grant funding will include the design and planning of the building construction as well as the site improvements near thereto. Grant award: \$100,000.Taos County – Online Platform for Cultural TreasuresAs a part of the Economic Recovery Corps project, Taos County will establish an online cultural and outdoor asset map system. It shall become a useful tool for people, visitors, cultural organizations, as well as tour operators. Through the system, the cultural and land-based assets of the area shall become better understood, and people shall become engaged and curious. Grant award: \$22,300.Chaves County – Cultural Plaza UpgradesIn conjunction with the City of Roswell and MainStreet Roswell, the county of Chaves will develop a cultural plaza on 1.2 raw acres of land. Lighting, walking trails, restroom facilities, play areas, and grassed open space areas are contemplated for the plaza, which will have space designated for outdoor events and a gathering space for the community. Grant award: \$183,100.City of Clovis – Hillcrest Park Zoo Master PlanA grant will enable the City of Clovis to prepare a master plan for the expansion of the Hillcrest Park Zoo. During the master planning process, the existing configuration of the zoo will be evaluated, and recommendations provided for the expansion of the zoo, in harmony with accreditation by the Zoological Association of America. Grant award: \$100,000.Town of Springer – Santa Fe Trail Museum ImprovementsThe Santa Fe Trail Museum, which is located in the old Colfax County Courthouse, will receive a grant to have the exterior doors restored and the facility brought into better condition. These improvements are necessary to keep the facility preserved and continue to have it as a center of the town of Springer. Grant award: \$70,000.Peñasco Valley Historical Preservation Society – Peñasco High School Historical Preservation and RehabilitationThis grant funding will cover the historic Peñasco High School’s rehabilitation and preservation, consisting of structural and facility enhancements to the facility and grounds. When completed, the facility will accommodate open events as well as the outdoor classroom use. Grant award: \$187,000.City of Farmington – The Story of Farmington ExhibitThe City of Farmington is organizing a 5,000-square-foot display at the Farmington Museum, “The Story of Farmington.” For the display, the area’s cultural history will be featured. Planning and design project phases will be funded with the grant. Grant award: \$100,000.Jemez Community Development Corporation – Jemez Adventure ParkJemez Adventure Park will include a 2-mile mountain bike/hike trail, 9-hole disc golf course, and outdoor pavilion. Recreational activity space will be provided by the park for the area’s residents and visitors. Grant award: \$38,800.City of Gallup – Route 66 Centennial Traveling ExhibitThe City of Gallup will design a traveling display celebrating New Mexico’s role in Route 66 history. Immersive experiences, artifacts, and public programs are planned as part of the display. Several cities, including Gallup, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Tucumcari, will host the display. Grant award: \$50,000.Village of Santa Clara – Copper Trails Bicycle and Pedestrian PathThe grant pays for the construction of ADA-compliant sidewalks and two intersection enhancements encouraging pedestrian and bicycle usage between downtown Santa Clara and the Maple Street Bridge. Grant award: \$350,000.New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society – Economic Impact StudyThe New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society will use the grant for conducting an economic impact analysis, assessing the current impact of the restoration of the AT\&SF Railroad Locomotive Maintenance Shops on the Barelas neighborhood of Albuquerque. Grant award: \$100,000.Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Foundation – Outdoor Balloon AdventureThe Balloon Museum seeks to build an outdoor exhibit and event space, with education elements and art installations. Completion of the Sky Bridge and Sky Room, connecting various areas of the adventure space, will be assisted through the grant funds. Grant award: \$257,500. In addition to these projects, two Accessibility Pilot Grant recipients will improve the accessibility of facilities associated with tourism.The City of Farmington will install a universal changing station at the Boundless Journey Adventure Park, and the Albuquerque International Sunport will install the first universal changing station at the facility, as mandated by Federal Aviation Administration accessibility mandates due 2030. Accessibility Pilot Grant funding translates to \$25,000 for Farmington and \$75,000 for Albuquerque International Sunport. By way of these varied and effective projects, the Destination Forward Program continues to contribute substantially to the growth of New Mexico’s tourist infrastructure and the delivery of meaningful experiences to visitors statewide.

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