By KRWG News
New Mexico – Gov. Bill Richardson says it's appropriate to use nearly $3 million in federal economic stimulus money to buy more than 12,000 acres near Santa Fe to expand a state park and establish a wild horse sanctuary.
Richardson said Tuesday that New Mexico will become the first state to have a preserve for wild horses.
The land will expand Cerrillos Hills State Park.
Richardson said there will be more tourism and outdoor recreational opportunities, and he contends that will increase jobs, which is the goal of the federal stimulus package.
The land purchase comes as the state is cutting government agencies and programs to deal with a budget shortfall.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.