First-time Accessibility Pilot Grants awarded to two entities
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) is supporting a record 14 projects in the third year of the agency's Destination Forward Program.
A total of $1.8 million in grant funding will go to support the planning, design, construction and renovation of tourism-related infrastructure projects across the state.
"Thoughtful investments in tourism-related infrastructure are essential for proper destination stewardship," said Acting Secretary Lancing Adams. "Now entering its third year, Destination Forward is becoming an increasingly valuable element to our mix of programs that serve the needs of communities throughout New Mexico."
The Destination Forward program first launched in fiscal year 2024 with $1,896,471 in grant funding for 10 tourism infrastructure projects. In FY25, NMTD awarded $2,350,287 in grant funding to 12 tourism infrastructure projects.
Destination Forward was originally created to support the planning and implementation of tourism infrastructure projects that enhance the visitor experience at tourism-related amenities, facilities and points-of-interest throughout the state.
NMTD is awarding the following projects through the Destination Forward program for FY26:
Town of Red River – Digital Information Kiosks
The Town of Red River plans to install five interactive kiosks in key locations throughout the community that will provide visitors with real-time access to maps, event calendars, business listings, emergency alerts, weather updates, transportation information and more. These kiosks are intended to enhance the visitor experience, support local business visibility and improve communication. Grant award: $40,634
Picuris Pueblo – Museum and Interpretive Center Facility Upgrades
Building off a Rural Pathway Program grant from a few years ago that initiated a renovation of the Pueblo's museum, Picuris Pueblo was awarded a Destination Forward grant to continue some of these renovations. Through this grant, Picuris Pueblo will be able to resurface the museum's parking lot. Grant award: $200,666
City of Bayard – Mine Mill Museum Design and Planning
The City of Bayard seeks to repurpose the historic Union Hall into a community heritage site. The Mine Mill Museum will serve both tourists and residents by celebrating the mining district's heritage and culture. This grant will support with the planning and design of the building construction and site improvements. Grant award: $100,000
Taos County – Cultural Treasures Online Platform
In December 2023, Taos County was selected by the Economic Development Administration as 1 of 65 communities to participate in the inaugural Economic Recovery Corps. Taos County was selected to conduct a cultural and outdoor asset mapping study, which the county now refers to as the Cultural Treasures Project. Through Destination Forward, Taos County will build a publicly accessible mapping tool and website that will contain information about cultural and land-based assets. This information will help inform and engage residents, visitors, cultural institutions, lodgers and tour operators. Grant award: $22,300
Chaves County – Cultural Plaza Improvements
Chaves County has partnered with MainStreet Roswell and the City of Roswell to plan, design and construct a cultural plaza on 1.2 acres of undeveloped land. The cultural plaza will serve as a community gathering space and outdoor event venue to include grassy open space, lighting and electrical amenities, walking paths, public restrooms and play areas for families. When complete, the cultural plaza will host events, markets, concerts, performances, exhibits and more. The Destination Forward grant will support construction and equipment costs associated with the cultural plaza project. Grant award: $183,100
City of Clovis – Hillcrest Park Zoo Master Plan
This Destination Forward grant award will enable the City of Clovis to conduct a master plan for development and expansion of the Hillcrest Park Zoo. The master plan will include a review of the current footprint of the zoo and how the facility could expand west. The planning process will be inclusive of zoo professionals, community stakeholders and residents. When complete, the master plan will also support the Hillcrest Park Zoo with its accreditation process with the Zoological Association of America. Grant award: $100,000
Town of Springer – Santa Fe Trail Museum Improvements
The Santa Fe Trail Museum, housed in the historic Colfax County Courthouse, serves as a focal point for the Town of Springer. Unfortunately, the condition of the facility is rapidly deteriorating and in need of restoration. Through this grant, the Town of Springer will be able to secure resources to restore many of the exterior doors to protect the facility from various elements. Grant award: $70,000
Peñasco Valley Historical Preservation Society – Historical Peñasco High School Preservation and Rehabilitation
This Destination Forward grant will fund the construction costs of the site improvement of the structure and its grounds. Once the preservation and rehabilitation of the historical Peñasco High School is complete, the community will be able to host open air events and outdoor learning activities. Grant award: $187,000
City of Farmington – The Story of Farmington
The City of Farmington is receiving a Destination Forward grant to support the planning and design of a 5,000 square-foot exhibit in the Farmington Museum to be titled "The Story of Farmington." The exhibit will tell the story of the land, people and cultures that shaped Farmington into what it is today. The Destination Forward grant will fund the planning and design of this exhibit. Grant award: $100,000
Jemez Community Development Corporation – Jemez Adventure Park
The Jemez Adventure Park will feature a 2-mile mountain bike and hiking trail, a 9-hole disk golf course and an outdoor pavilion. After development of those features, the project will also include the development of a 2-unit waterless restroom, electrical fixtures for the pavilion and a multi-use outdoor court. Once complete, the Jemez Adventure Park will become an incredible amenity for residents of Jemez Pueblo and a new attraction to welcome visitors to the area. This Destination Forward grant will support building materials and signs for the pavilion. Grant award: $38,800
City of Gallup – Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit
In preparation for the Route 66 centennial, the City of Gallup hopes to produce a traveling exhibit that will highlight New Mexico's unique contributions to Route 66 history. The traveling exhibit, which will launch in Gallup and include subsequent stops in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Tucumcari, will feature immersive experiences, oral histories, public programs, authentic artifacts and more. This Destination Forward grant will support the production and curation of the traveling exhibit. Grant award: $50,000
Village of Santa Clara – Copper Trails Pedestrian and Bicycle Path
Destination Forward grant funding for this project will support the construction of ADA-compliant sidewalks, as well as the removal and replacement of two intersections. The intent of this project is to safely connection pedestrian access from downtown Santa Clara and the newly-constructed Maple Street Bridge to the US Highway 180 multi-use path. Grant award: $350,000
New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society – Economic Impact Study
The New Mexico Steam Locomotive & Railroad Historical Society has been a key figure with the continued remediation and restoration of the historic AT&SF Railroad Locomotive Maintenance Shops and the surrounding railyards in the historic Barelas neighborhood of Albuquerque. The organization will activate its Destination Forward grant to implement an economic impact study to help gauge the restoration's impact on the site and the surrounding community. Grant award: $100,000
Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum Foundation – Outdoor Balloon Adventure
The Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum plans to develop an outdoor interactive exhibit and event space that will feature educational elements, art installations and hands-on activations. This Destination Forward grant will help fund completion of the Sky Bridge and Sky Room, which will connect various elements of the Outdoor Balloon Adventure space. Grant award: $257,500
In addition, the FY26 Destination Forward cohort includes two recipients of the Accessibility Pilot Grant, which was initiated to improve accessibility at tourism-related facilities through the construction and installation of universal changing stations.
The City of Farmington was awarded $25,000 and the Albuquerque International Sunport was awarded $75,000 for the Accessibility Pilot Grant. The City of Farmington will dedicate their pilot grant to the installation of a universal changing station at the Boundless Journey Adventure Park, which will serve as a progressive skill accessible park for the Farmington community. The Albuquerque International Sunport will use this grant funding to install the first universal changing station at the airport, which will be centrally located in the terminal and will fulfill a Federal Aviation Administration accessibility mandate to be implemented by 2030.
