Victoria Garcia, president of the Abiquiu Land Grant and principal at Abiquiu Elementary School, told the committee her group purchased a 12-acre parcel and is moving forward on several community projects — a fenced playground, farmer’s-market infrastructure, a possible RV/camping area and plans to restore a historic gym — and that membership has asked to explore a proposed closed-loop geothermal development.

Garcia said the land-grant board used capital outlay funds and other revenues to refurbish an old clinic and to buy the adjacent 12-acre parcel after a contested sale. “We went ahead [and] purchased the property,” Garcia said, noting the parcel includes an irrigated acre and space for 10 trailer/RV slots that the land grant hopes to develop as a small campground or RV park.

Why it matters: The land grant is pursuing multiple small economic-development projects designed to generate steady revenue for community programs and to create space for a fenced playground, a farmer’s market and an eventual commercial kitchen for youth and elder programming. Garcia also described outreach from energy-sector researchers and a large company interested in a closed-loop geothermal development on land-grant property; the board plans field visits and member briefings before any decision.

Garcia outlined near-term projects: finishing the playground and installing fencing near the post office; clearing and improving a parking area for the farmers market; acquiring the Jofran Gym (a facility built with Georgia O’Keeffe funding) and pursuing capital improvements including ADA compliance, plumbing upgrades and heating/cooling work; and seeking a commercial kitchen for 4‑H and market users. She said the land grant rents two buildings now and the current annual cash flow is about $20,000 from those rentals but expects revenue to grow if campground slots and other activities are developed.

On geothermal, Garcia said New Mexico Tech identified geothermal potential near Abiquiu, and representatives from a large corporation and utilities (including PNM) have asked to study a closed-loop project on roughly 13 acres. Garcia said the land grant scheduled a September field visit with the state Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and company representatives and will convene a membership meeting to hear geologists’ presentations before the land grant pursues any agreement. “It could be a win‑win situation for the Abiquiu Land Grant,” Garcia said, but she added community members want strict controls and local hiring, internships and workforce training tied to any development.

Committee response and follow-up: Committee members recommended technical assistance — for example, lab or geology expertise and strategic planning and business‑plan help through regional development organizations. Garcia said membership is about 75 people with roughly 50–55 active members; the land grant uses its buildings for rentals, the farmers market and community events and has submitted an ISIP request for gym upgrades.

Ending: Garcia asked for technical assistance and noted the land grant was ready to host a field visit and membership briefing; committee members offered lab, economic development and capacity-building contacts and to help coordinate resources.