Grant County commissioners approved several transportation and facility projects during their Sept. 11 meeting, including the award of a contract for Ridge Road improvements, the county’s acceptance of a DOT micro-surface grant and approval of recreation-surface repairs.
Planning and capital projects director Joseph reported a low bid within budget for Ridge Road Improvements Phase 1, spanning the city limits to the detention center. The project, including shoulder work and driveway adjustments, was presented at a total contract amount of $1,945,979.61 with tax. The board authorized the county manager to execute the contract.
Joseph and county staff also said the county received a Transportation Project Funding (TPF) micro-surface award of roughly $835,000 to surface about 6.1 miles near the detention center. The grant will proceed to formal approval steps with New Mexico Department of Transportation.
Road Department director Mike Rocco described extensive storm-related maintenance work and preparatory work for a chip-seal campaign: shoulder rebuilds, culvert cleaning and patching, and crews scheduling chip sealing on school bus routes. He said chip seals extend pavement life and are more economical than full paving; depending on conditions they typically extend a road’s useful life three to six years between treatments.
The board also approved a quote of $98,540.66 to repair and resurface tennis and pickleball courts at the Gila Community Center in Cliff. Commissioners noted community demand for pickleball and said the resurfacing will support neighborhood recreation.
County staff said the Ridge Road contract, micro-surface grant and chip-seal schedule are within planned capital programs and will be coordinated with public notices to affected residents.