The New Mexico Borderplex (NMBorderplex) has reached a major milestone in statewide economic development efforts with the designation of two industrial sites through the State of New Mexico’s Site Readiness Program, administered by the New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD).
The newly designated “strategic economic development sites” in the Borderplex region are:
- Las Cruces Innovation & Industrial Park – Las Cruces, NM
- Santa Teresa Gateway Rail Park Phase 2 – Santa Teresa, NM
Each site underwent a comprehensive evaluation assessing infrastructure capacity, utility access, workforce availability, environmental considerations, development readiness and alignment with New Mexico’s long-term economic priorities. The designations signal to site selectors and corporate decision-makers that these locations have been vetted and positioned for speed-to-market investment.
Investment-Ready in Las Cruces
The Las Cruces Innovation & Industrial Park spans 333 acres and is zoned for aerospace, defense and research uses. Strategically located near White Sands Missile Range and facilities operated by NASA, the site offers exceptional potential for advanced manufacturing, aerospace suppliers, defense contractors and high-tech research operations.
Its proximity to major testing infrastructure, higher education assets and cross-border logistics networks positions Las Cruces as a competitive hub for innovation-driven industries seeking room to scale in the Southwest.
Logistics Strength in Santa Teresa
The Santa Teresa Gateway Rail Park Phase 2 encompasses 177 acres, including 145 contiguous and fully developable rail-served acres. Located near the Santa Teresa Port of Entry, the site strengthens the region’s standing as a strategic logistics and international trade gateway.
With direct rail access and connectivity to major interstate and border infrastructure, Santa Teresa continues to attract manufacturing, warehousing and distribution operations that require efficient access to U.S. and global markets.
A Statewide Commitment to Speed and Certainty
“These sites are the first of many, sending a clear message that New Mexico is ready to move at the speed of business,” said EDD Cabinet Secretary Rob Black. “If we don’t have shovel-ready locations for companies to build, we lose those opportunities and the jobs that come with them.”
In less than a year since the Site Readiness Act became law during the 2025 legislative session—sponsored by Michael Padilla and Meredith Dixon—EDD has evaluated 47 sites statewide, launched a public site-readiness map and established a new advisory board to recommend sites for designation and pre-development funding.
Property owners of designated sites are now eligible for pre-development funding through the Site Readiness Program, pending advisory committee review and final approval by the EDD Cabinet Secretary.
Site selectors and community partners can explore these investment-ready locations by contacting NMBorderplex and MVEDA here.
