Efforts to strengthen water security in Grant County are moving forward as Hurley and other communities pursue state funding for the Grant County Regional Water Project. The long-term project is designed to connect communities and improve water reliability during drought, with the Santa Clara-to-Hanover connection now about 90 percent designed and estimated to cost roughly 14 million dollars. The project is among those seeking funding through the New Mexico Unit Fund, which has made 26 million dollars available this cycle for water projects across Grant, Luna, Hidalgo and Catron counties. The regional infrastructure could provide communities with greater water reliability and flexibility in the future.
During its recent meeting, the Silver City Lodgers’ Tax Advisory Board reported that about 85 percent of the town’s lodgers tax revenue is currently committed to fixed costs, leaving less than 60 thousand dollars available for organizations producing events this year. The town collected more than 400 thousand dollars in lodgers tax revenue, which comes from a five-percent tax on lodging. The advisory board is developing a new application and scoring process for organizations seeking event funding, with applications expected to open September 26.
Planning continues on the future of the New Mexico 11 Corridor between Columbus and Deming. The New Mexico Department of Transportation and local partners are studying ways to improve safety, traffic flow and freight movement along the corridor as cross-border traffic is expected to grow. Officials are also examining potential improvements that could reduce the impact of heavy truck traffic on more populated areas of Deming while supporting future economic development. The study is currently evaluating alternatives, with public input helping shape the recommendations for future improvements.
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Today marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day that remains deeply remembered by families and communities across the country. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives that morning, leaving behind parents, children, spouses, siblings, friends and loved ones whose lives were forever changed. On this anniversary, people are taking time to remember the individuals —their lives, their families, their dreams and the memories they left behind. Today is a time to honor those we lost, remember the heroes who stepped forward, and reflect on the kindness, courage and unity that brought people together.