State representative previews agricultural preservation roadmap and is honored for securing $2M for Rio Vista Farm

State Representative Mary Gonzales addressed the Socorro City Council on Nov. 20 to present an El Paso County Agricultural Preservation Report compiled with regional stakeholders over two years. Gonzales described the document as a roadmap with six recommendation 'buckets' — promoting agricultural development, leveraging financial and technical assistance, re-examining utility infrastructure expansion, promoting conservation easements, safeguarding farmland from road expansion and developing an agricultural subject plan for open state lands.

Gonzales framed preservation as both an economic and cultural imperative and urged local officials to be proactive and strategic. "My biggest fear is that 20 years from now, there will be no agriculture community in this area," she said, calling for political courage and incentives that give farmers alternatives to selling to developers.

The council also adopted a proclamation recognizing Representative Gonzales for securing a $2,000,000 appropriation through the Texas Historical Commission to support restoration and preservation of the Rio Vista Farm National Historic Landmark — $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027, according to the proclamation read to the council.

Gonzales said she would be a partner in local efforts and invited Socorro staff and elected officials to participate in future planning work or a possible report 'part 2.' The presentation and proclamation signal state-level support for preservation work that could inform local planning and grant-seeking.

Provenance: Presentation and proclamation SEG 275–508.