I just got a letter from former New Mexico Gov. Toney Anaya about my stimulus application for a newspaper bailout.

Dear fellow New Mexican,

Hello!

This letter serves as a follow-up to your inquiry through the New Mexico Office of Recovery and Reinvestment (NMORR). Your inquiry was referred to the appropriate state agency, who should have contacted you to provide assistance and to answer any questions.

Not quite yet, but that's OK. I've been busy.

We are reaching a milestone in this unprecedented effort, as the state-allocated competitive grants from ARRA funds are coming to a close. The NMORR has received over $8 billion in proposal and ideas for projects...it is clear that New Mexico has great need, however, not all projects and programs will receive funding through the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

What are you trying to say?

Currently, opportunities are still available directly from federal agencies through the competitive grant process. You can learn more about those opportunities and how to apply at www.grants.gov. We encourage you to work with your local Council of Governments (COG, the regional planning organizations) and within existing state government processes for projects such as water, environment, energy, transportation and capital outlay funding consideration. These groups are very familiar with existing planning processes, but also familiar with existing and ongoing funding opportunities.

Does this mean I'm not getting any stimulus money?

For your area, please contact the Council of Government nearest to you: [etc., etc.] ...
Again, I thank you for interest in stabilizing our economy and making New Mexico a better place for all of us.

That might be the most polite brushoff ever.