The Socorro City Council authorized July 3 an interlocal agreement with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority and a work authorization to fund right‑of‑way acquisition services for the Nuevo Hueco Tanks Boulevard extension. The approved work covers appraisal, appraisal review, title work, surveys and acquisition services; the contract does not include the purchase price for property owners.

The project segment under consideration would construct roughly 1.15 miles of new roadway between North Loop and Alameda. City staff told the council that environmental clearance under TxDOT's NEPA oversight is still pending but that the consultant may perform right‑of‑way acquisition tasks in parallel. Staff said 22 parcels are involved in this phase, including three non‑residential relocations and two personal relocations.

Funding and scope: The work authorization will be paid from Transportation Reinvestment Zone (TRZ) No. 2 funds held for the project. The action approved acquisition services necessary to begin property negotiations and offers; acquisition amounts to purchase properties will be negotiated separately with affected owners and are not included in the work authorization.

Why it matters: Authorizing ROW acquisition services is a procedural step that allows the city and its consultant to start acquiring property once environmental clearance is received or when appropriate. Council emphasized careful management and noted that archaeological reports had been submitted and were pending final TxDOT review.

Council action: The motion to approve the interlocal agreement and work authorization carried by voice vote; staff will proceed with retained consultant work on appraisal, title, survey and offer negotiations.