A proposed high-voltage transmission project spanning southwestern New Mexico and southeastern Arizona is moving through additional land-use reviews, with a public meeting scheduled Monday in Lordsburg. The Southline Transmission Project includes a proposed 345-kilovolt substation on approximately 35 acres of state trust land in Grant County, about five miles north of U.S. Highway 70. The company is also seeking changes to its previously approved transmission route across state lands in Hidalgo, Grant, Luna and Doña Ana counties. The New Mexico State Land Office will accept public comments from 6 to 8 p.m. November 9, at the James H. Baxter Civic Center in Lordsburg.
New Mexico animal health officials have shifted to regional maps as confirmed cases of New World screwworm continue to increase. The updated map places all of Grant, Luna and Hidalgo counties within the designated infested zone, along with portions of Catron County. As of November 4, New Mexico had reported 30 confirmed animal cases since June, including the first case in Catron County involving a cow. Officials say most daily activities are not affected, but animals generally must be inspected and meet additional requirements before being moved out of an infested zone.
Cobre Consolidated Schools has announced that Snell Middle School teacher Mr. Cearley has been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Bootheel Foundation through Western Bank. The grant will provide valuable support for the school’s New Mexico MESA program, opening the door to more hands-on learning opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The funding will give students additional opportunities to explore their interests and build skills in STEM fields.
In New Mexico news:
New Mexico is joining a new federal education tax credit program that could provide additional resources for public and private school students beginning next year. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced November 4 that the state will participate in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, which allows taxpayers to receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 annually for qualifying donations to approved nonprofit scholarship organizations. The organizations can award scholarships to eligible K-12 students for expenses such as tutoring, special education services, computers, books and after-school programs. The program is scheduled to begin January 1, 2027.