Playas Research and Training Center seeks to encourage economic growth in southwestern New Mexico.

The Playas Research and Training Center (PRTC) at New Mexico Tech received a $495,630 Local Technical Assistance Grant for 2024 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) to develop a comprehensive master plan to spur economic growth in the southwest region of New Mexico, encompassing Hidalgo, Luna, and Grant counties.

“The master plan will position New Mexico Tech as a convener of stakeholders in the region, facilitating economic sustainability and growth,” said Carlos Rey Romero, Associate Vice President of Research at New Mexico Tech. “Our goal is to map regional assets to key industries, enabling economic diversification through strategic partnerships and a well-coordinated implementation phase.”

The master plan targets a combined population of 55,591 people across the three counties. It will align with several EDA priorities: equity, recovery, and resilience; workforce development; technology-based economic development; and environmental sustainability. It also will outline actionable goals and strategies plus explore opportunities for economic diversification in areas such as utility infrastructure research, military training, tourism, the film industry, and improved access to ports of entry.

A stakeholder group representing diverse interests, including local and tribal governments, businesses, state agencies, and federal entities, will be formed to guide the planning process. The project, scheduled to run from October 2024 to March 2026, will include milestones such as stakeholder engagement, plan development, and public comment periods.

“Located in Hidalgo County, PRTC is dedicated to driving innovation and economic resilience in the region and is committed to supporting small businesses by fostering partnerships that encourage entrepreneurship and expansion,” Romero added. “The New Mexico Tech Office of Innovation Commercialization will team with PRTC to leverage state-wide relationships in order to incubate and cultivate innovative ideas and products. The needs of our region are vast, and by working together with our neighbors, we can create an environment where businesses can thrive. This grant will allow us to be a catalyst for economic opportunities in a cohesive and collaborative way.”