State incentives will provide two companies, Second Street Brewery in Santa Fe and Drylands Brewing Company of Lovington, New Mexico, with Local Economic Development Act funding to expand brewery production in The Land of Enchantment.

Second Street Brewery will expand its operations with the opening of a new $1.8 million packaging facility and tap room. This expansion will allow Second Street to dramatically increase production allowing the company to distribute beer across the state. It will also lay the groundwork for national distribution in the future.

"We're very excited to expand our Santa Fe operations and begin canning our beer for distribution throughout New Mexico," said Second Street Brewery Owner Rod Tweet. "Thanks to the LEDA funding we're able to complete the production, brewing, and packaging area of our new taproom and brewery on Rufina."

New Mexico will provide Second Street with $100,000 for its expansion through the state's closing fund, known as LEDA. "Helping our homegrown companies with our powerful incentives has helped diversify and grow our economy - in spite of the recession, federal sequestration and the downturn in oil and gas," said Economic Development Secretary Matt Geisel. "We will continue to support our New Mexico breweries and distilleries as they manufacture their products for distribution across New Mexico, the country and the world.”

An additional $100,000 in LEDA funding will assist Drylands Brewing Company to open a new brewing and canning operation in Lovington, New Mexico, 74 miles northeast of Carlsbad.

A New Mexico startup, company officials expect their endeavor will open this spring. Drylands will invest $950,000 to create a canning facility, tap house and restaurant in the Lovington Main Street District.

Co-owner Daniel Torres said, "Thanks to the utility of the LEDA incentive and our partnership with the state we have the opportunity to start our business in a community that we love and add to New Mexico's booming craft-brewing industry."

"We're very proud to locate our facility in Lovington and contribute to the continuing development in the downtown area," said Drylands Brewing o-owner Francisco Arreola.

"The Brewing industry has been one of our most significant growth sectors in recent years and is a critical component in diversifying New Mexico's economy," said Geisel.