State of New Mexico
Office of the Governor

Bill Richardson
Governor

For immediate release                                                               Contact: Jon Goldstein

December 29, 2005                                                                 ( Santa Fe ) 505-476-2248

Governor Richardson Announces $777,000 in Funding to Promote Rodeo Throughout New Mexico

New Mexico to Hold First Ever Collegiate Rodeo Finals

SANTA FE – Governor Bill Richardson today announced he will distribute more than three quarters of a million dollars to projects throughout the state designed to promote participation and attendance at rodeo events. A total of $777,858 will go to projects that will improve infrastructure at rodeo event centers, boost 4-H rodeo programs, and promote college rodeo programs.

The state will also fund the first-ever Collegiate Rodeo Finals. This annual event will allow New Mexico 's five higher education institutions with rodeo programs to face off for the state rodeo title.

“Rodeo may be the most uniquely American sport and it is a rich and vibrant part of New Mexico 's cultural history,” said Governor Richardson. “These investments will help get more New Mexicans involved in rodeo events. They will also help promote tourism in rural New Mexico by making rodeo events more attractive destinations.”

The $777,858 in funding includes:

Improvements to local rodeo facilities:

Regional Special Events Center , Curry County , $50,000

            Eastern New Mexico University , Rodeo Arena Improvements, $30,844

            Eddy County Sherriff's Posse, Announcer Booth and Waterlines, $35,000

            City of Gallup , Red Rock Rodeo Facilities Upgrade, $100,000

           Lea County , Improve Holding Pens and Bucking Chutes, $50,000

            NMSU, Improve Lighting and Hay/Feed Storage Barn, $16,500

           Quay County , Rodeo Arena Upgrades, $24,404

            Southwestern NM State Fairground, Luna County , Arena Improvements, $10,000

            Socorro, New Arena, $40,000

           Torrance County , Safety & Operating Improvements to Arena, $46,110

Improvements to 4-H Rodeo Programs:

            San Miguel Extension Service, San Miguel County 4-H Rodeo, $5,000

           Santa Fe County , 4-H Rodeo Program Expansion, $10,000

 Improvements to College Rodeo Programs:

           Collegiate Rodeo Finals, $60,000

Governor Richardson also approved $300,000 in funding for programs, scholarships and facility improvements for New Mexico 's five collegiate rodeo programs: Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico Highlands University, New Mexico State University , New Mexico Junior College and Mesa Lands Community College .

These projects were recommended to Governor Richardson by the Rodeo Council he created by Executive Order in February 2005. The Council is charged with developing ways in which the state can develop and support the sport of rodeo at the junior, high school, college, and professional levels, promote and attract competitive rodeo events, and provide information to rodeo participants, fans, and promoters regarding rodeo events and programs throughout the state.

The funding for these projects was approved during the 2005 legislative session.

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Jon Goldstein
Communications Officer
Office of Governor Bill Richardson
(505) 476-2248