Photo credit CPR.org U.S. Colorado Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper.

SAN LUIS VALLEY – Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper announced $158 million in funding for projects across Colorado were recommended for inclusion in the fiscal year 2022 federal appropriations bills.

One of the projects recommended for inclusion would, if approved, be awarded to Adams State University (ASU) in Alamosa. Specifically, Bennet and Hickenlooper requested $1,100,000 to prepare and equip the mechanical engineering laboratories at ASU to further develop the partnership between ASU and Colorado State University (CSU) in offering a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at ASU. 

Senator Bennet announced his request of $110,000 in funding for the San Luis Valley Early Childhood Initiative to help develop a high-quality Early Childhood Care and Education Center including six classrooms (two for infants, two for toddler-age children, and two preschool classrooms). 

“As we recover from the worst public health and economic crisis in a century, this funding will help meet the needs of Colorado communities across the state,” said Bennet. “From expanding access to health care to building affordable housing and creating good-paying jobs, these investments will help rebuild our economy to deliver opportunity to every Coloradan.”

“These projects will make a real difference in towns all across our state,” said Hickenlooper. “Coloradans know best what their communities need, and Congress should do its best to listen.”

To qualify, Congressionally Directed Spending requests must be submitted by local governments or non-profits. Senators may then request inclusion of these projects in one of the twelve annual funding bills.

Congress will now negotiate final appropriations bills — both the House and Senate will have to vote before they become law and communities receive funding.

Fifty-six Colorado projects that Bennet requested were included in various appropriations bills and would direct over $115 million to Colorado communities.

Senator Hickenlooper requested a total of fifty projects, some of which are projects jointly requested with Bennet. The Senate is expected to vote on the bills by the end of the year either individually or as a combined package.