New Mexico Sun

News from July 2023


CNM President Harzler: 'We look forward to educating and training thousands and thousands of future skilled trades workers right here on this site'

About 200 people gathered at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) for a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday marking the beginning construction of a new trades facility. According to a release by CNM on June 29, the new facility will be about 61,500 square feet in size.


Cottrell Propst: 'Today we’re pursuing the maximum penalties EMNRD is allowed to assess by law'

Ameredev, a Texas-based oil and gas company operating in the Permian Basin, has been fined over $40 million by New Mexico State agencies for alleged violations of air quality regulations. EMNRD Secretary Sarah Cottrell Propst emphasized that they are pursuing the maximum penalties allowed by law in this case according to NM Political Report.


Gov. Lujan Grisham: 'This funding empowers New Mexico to continue to bridge the digital divide and create equal opportunities for our residents'

On Jun 26, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that the state will receive more than $675 million in federal assistance to expand broadband access. The governor highlighted the significance of the funding stating that it enables New Mexico to address the digital divide and promote equitable opportunities for its residents.


Devasthali: 'I am confident the efforts of this entire committee will lead to the selection of an outstanding new president for NMSU'

On July 14, 2023, the New Mexico State University Board of Regents presented an update on the ongoing search for their next leader, confirming that the selected candidate would serve as the university's president, not a chancellor.


Sen. Campos: 'While our communities continue the daily struggle to recover and rebuild after the devastating Calf Canyon and Hermit’s Peak Fire, the aid from Senate Bill 6 is proving to be an essential funding source as we await federal reimbursement'

On June 28, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the approval of $46.9 million in zero-interest loans to Mora and San Miguel counties. The allocated funds will go towards the repair and replacement of public infrastructure that sustained damage during the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.


Medina: 'This 5% raise with another 4% next year sends a strong message that we support our officers. They deserve all the support we can give them'

On July 14, the City of Albuquerque announced a 5% pay increase for APD officers, which will be followed by an additional 4% raise the following year. APD Chief Harold Medina expressed his support for this initiative, stating that the raises send a powerful message demonstrating the city's support for its officers.


Armijo: 'Establishing mobile food pantries will help us end hunger in rural, isolated communities throughout Northern New Mexico by getting healthy food directly to the communities who need it'

The New Mexico Human Services Department recently received $924,895 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to improve the state's Emergency Food Assistance Program. Kari Armijo, acting secretary for the New Mexico Human Services Department, highlighted the significance of this funding, stating that the establishment of mobile food pantries will play a crucial role in eradicating hunger in rural and isolated communities across Northern New Mexico.


Hamman: 'I have every confidence that Director Riseley-White’s expertise in water management will serve all New Mexicans as our agency continues to tackle water challenges in the face of a changing climate'

Hannah Riseley-White has been selected as the new head of the Interstate Stream Commission (ISC). State Engineer Mike Hamman expressed complete confidence in her capabilities, especially in water management expertise, and believes she will effectively address New Mexico's water challenges amid the evolving climate conditions according to a press release.


Heinrich on $12 million funding for state: 'I'm proud to have the opportunity to directly advocate for the needs of New Mexicans'

In a recent press release, U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) announced the approval of 34 local projects, amounting to nearly $12 million, for enhancing public safety, combating the opioid epidemic, promoting small businesses, and supporting arts and culture in New Mexico.


O’Connell: 'This recognition is deeply meaningful to me, especially as women have started to make inroads in the field that was very male dominated when I started'

Kim O'Connell, who serves as the director of the athletic training program at New Mexico State University, has been inducted into the New Mexico Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame.


Gallegos: 'Water scarcity is a community problem that requires new teams of leaders and activists to solve'

The Town of Taos announced the launch of the Water Leadership Institute (WLI) in collaboration with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), he University of New Mexico (UNM) Taos, and the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) on July 14. The program aims to address water scarcity by fostering new teams of leaders and activists according to a press release by the Town of Taos.


Sanchez: 'We’re thrilled to have our 50+ Senior Tech Fair recognized by the National Council on Aging'

On July 17, 2023, the City of Albuquerque announced that The Department of Senior Affairs has been honored by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) for its outstanding programs for seniors. In particular, the department was recognized for its 2021 50+ Senior Tech Fair offering valuable technology resource to seniors following the COVID-19 pandemic.


City of Santa Fe Historic Districts Review Board met Tuesday, June 13


City of Albuquerque Finance & Government Operations Committee met Monday, June 12


Armenta: New city bus wraps will feature 'designs that are authentic to our city and that inspire travelers to plan a trip to Albuquerque'

The City of Albuquerque recently announced that AABQ RIDE, Visit Albuquerque, and the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center have partnered to introduce three new bus wrap designs that honor Pueblo culture and promote tourism.


New Mexico's Lujan Grisham approves $46.9 million in funding for recovery from 'largest wildfire in state history'

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham recently announced the approval of $46.9 million in zero-interest loans to Mora and San Miguel counties.


'My art is Southwest and Native American inspired,’ says Morrow of mural at UNM

Over the past seven months, Las Cruces-based artist Kathy Morrow has been hard at work every morning building a significant rock mural displayed in front of New Mexico State University's Golf Course.


City of Santa Fe Public Works and Utilities Committee met Monday, June 12


City of Santa Fe Arts Commission City of Santa Fe Arts Commission met Monday, June 12


Lujan: 'These funds will help improve public safety and ensure that our roads are safe for all New Mexicans'

The federal government has awarded the City of Albuquerque's ABQ Ride a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant to fund the Uptown Connect: The Uptown Transit Center Joint Development project, and an additional $18.2 million through the Low or No Emission Vehicle Program, the city government announced recently.