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County reports gas, railroad follow-up and names new CIO; Congresswoman Fernandez presents $1M for ladder truck
Summary
County Manager Stark reported that natural gas service began to the San Juan County Industrial Park after a $4 million NMEDD grant, said the Federal Railroad Administration will conduct a site visit in June, introduced James Bean as the new CIO, and Chief Vega said Congresswoman Fernandez presented $1 million in congressionally directed funds toward a $1.8 million ladder truck purchase.
County Manager Stark used the commission's report period to update commissioners on several infrastructure and administrative items.
Stark said a gas line is now supplying the San Juan County Industrial Park and Pesco, a project primarily funded through a $4 million grant from the New Mexico Economic Development Department. He also reported the Federal Railroad Administration has scheduled a site visit for early June following the county’s recent trip to Washington, D.C.
On federal engagement and land-use issues, Stark clarified a recent seven-day federal scoping notice related to Chaco Canyon buffer-zone work: the short notice is intended to gather scoping input for an environmental assessment, while broader alternatives and the question of buffer size will be addressed in the forthcoming environmental assessment documents. Stark said the county previously passed a 2022 resolution advocating a five-mile buffer and that officials will circulate the environmental assessment when it is available.
Stark introduced James Bean as the county's new Chief Information Officer; Bean said he has served in the Information Systems Department for 15 years and will continue in his new role.
In department reports Chief Vega said New Mexico State Forestry has implemented statewide fire restrictions that prohibit open burning, campfires and certain industrial flaring; he noted federal fire agencies in the area had not adopted matching restrictions. Chief Vega also reported Congresswoman Yvette Herrell Fernandez presented $1 million in congressionally directed funds that the county will use toward replacing a 30-year-old ladder truck. Vega said the ladder truck project has a total cost of $1.8 million and that the county committed the remaining approximately $800,000; the new apparatus is in the build process and is expected to enter service in roughly a year.
Commissioners thanked staff for the updates; no formal action was taken during the report beyond previously recorded votes.
