Commission approves TPF applications for Columbus industrial park and Hermanus Road study

Luna County commissioners approved two transportation funding applications aimed at advancing infrastructure tied to economic development and freight movement.

The first, Resolution 26‑27, authorizes a Transportation Project Fund application to design roadway and drainage improvements in the Columbus Industrial Park as part of phase 2 of park development and an extension to Pershing Road. David Bailey, Road Department director, said phase‑1 construction is complete and the current application focuses on plan design to finish roads within the park.

The second, Resolution 26‑28, was described as a Phase A/B alignment study for the northern portion of Hermanus Road. Bailey said closing the study gap will allow the county to pursue plan design and eventual construction for roughly 28 miles of an economic corridor that could create an alternative route for truck traffic to I‑10. He said construction estimates are large: plan design then construction could reach into the tens of millions, with an off‑hand estimate for construction in the hundreds of millions depending on scope. "You're probably looking at 15 to 20,000,000 for plan for, not plan design, but for construction," he said, later adding that a reinforced pavement might last 25 to 30 years.

Commission discussion touched on right‑of‑way and Bureau of Land Management land along parts of the corridor and whether a four‑lane highway would be pursued; Bailey said the study is the first step and alternatives will be evaluated.

Why it matters: County leaders tied the projects to the Columbus industrial park, port traffic and anticipated freight growth; commissioners emphasized the long lead times and high costs of construction while urging public input on route alternatives.

Both resolutions were approved by roll call vote; staff said public input sessions and additional design steps will follow.