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Cannon Air Force Base official asks Roosevelt County to pave NRRAV to redirect access at Melrose Bombing Range
Summary
George Jones of Cannon AFB told the commission that routing access to NRRAV would avoid an active drop zone at the Melrose Bombing Range; he said the base can pursue right-of-way work and adjust contract signing location to ensure Roosevelt County receives gross receipts tax if the county approves paving or designation changes.
George Jones, representing Cannon Air Force Base, briefed the Roosevelt County Commission on May 6, 2025, saying Melrose Bombing Range traffic now crosses an active drop zone and that routing access via NRRAV — which the base would like paved — would improve safety and reduce delays. Jones said the base would work with the State Land Office on right-of-way and potentially pay for right-of-way acquisition if the county approves allowing the road to be designated as part of the base. That designation would transfer maintenance responsibility to the base, Jones said, while landowners would retain access via easements.
Commissioners raised questions about which jurisdiction receives gross receipts tax (GRT) from work associated with the range. Commissioner Malin Parker said Roosevelt County does not currently receive GRT from projects at the Melrose Bombing Range; Jones said the signing location for contracts can be adjusted so county tax revenue would flow to Roosevelt County and committed to working toward documented assurances. Commissioner Roy Lee Criswell said the county needed a written guarantee regarding GRT allocation and easements before fully supporting any transfer of maintenance responsibility.
No formal action or vote was taken; commissioners thanked Jones and asked staff to continue discussions and seek written assurances regarding tax allocation and access rights.
