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Commission approves fairgrounds and events‑center purchases, drainage work and grant application
Summary
Curry County approved buying arena panels and gates for the events center, directed drainage improvements at the fairgrounds ($27,437.07), and authorized a $400,000 Destination Forward grant application (with a $100,000 county match) to build a pavilion.
The Curry County Commission on April 10 approved a package of improvements for the fairgrounds and events center, including a vendor quote for arena panels and gates, a separate drainage repair project, and authorization to apply for a state tourism grant to build a pavilion.
Events‑center manager Casey Messick requested replacement arena equipment — 12‑ and 10‑foot panels and gates, two timed event stripping chutes, control alley gates and crash pads — to replace worn equipment. Messick said the vendor offered a 30% discount and presented a final quote of $60,009.58 including the added timed event component. Commissioners discussed lead time and event timing; Messick said delivery was expected within two to three weeks and the equipment would be needed by the end of June for use in the Kevin Roberts Arena. Commissioner Martin moved to approve the purchase; the motion carried on a voice vote.
Public works presented a drainage plan to address runoff from the livestock center that currently washes out gravel and floods the patio and indoor pavilion during heavy rain. Ben Roberts recommended removing a flush header curb, installing elevated curb and gutter, creating a slightly sloped walkway to channel water to a new valley gutter and, if required in later phases, adding inlets and extending the valley gutter. The first‑phase work was estimated at $27,437.07; a more extensive package would cost near $100,000. Commissioners approved the first step and directed funding from reserves.
Staff also presented resolution 2026‑24 to authorize submission of a Destination Forward grant application to the New Mexico Tourism Department for a fairgrounds pavilion. The grant request will not exceed $400,000 and the county would provide up to $100,000 in cash match for a total project budget up to $500,000; the commission approved the resolution by roll call.
County staff said the purchases and drainage work will be funded from reserves or grant match accounts where applicable and that the projects followed oversight‑committee recommendations for prioritization and timing.
