The Gila National Forest has reported that due to recent rains, high water is blocking the Catwalk National Recreation Area parking access. According to a news release, “High streamflow on Whitewater Creek over low water crossings on New Mexico Highway 174 is blocking vehicle access to the Catwalk National Recreation Area. The first water crossing along the road to the Catwalk, approximately 3.5 miles southwest of the parking area, is flooded with muddy, fast-flowing water, preventing vehicle access beyond that point.” In addition, the National Weather Service reported that the area received more than 2.5 inches of rain over the weekend. Streams and rivers that flow in the Gila have been recharged with approximately double the normal amount of typical year from monsoons and fall rainstorms. Water tables remain elevated, and each additional storm has the potential to cause localized flooding.
PNM has filed a 2024 rate change with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. According to a news release from PNM, they have delayed two planned rate increases, one in 2020 and the other in 2021, and the request filed yesterday would not go into effect until 2024. In addition, the increase would affect the average customer a projected 75 cents per month. The public can learn more by visiting online at PNM.com/RateChange2024.
In Luna County news, the Board of County Commissioners will hold a public meeting with the intent to consider issuing a Special Use Permit to Solar PV Development NM 18 I LLC for an industrial solar scale project at the Regular Meeting on Monday, December 19th. The application packet is available for review in the Luna County Manager’s Office. Questions and comments from the public can also be made at the public hearing.
