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Matanza project backers say mobile processing can keep millions in Taos economy; wastewater permits remain hurdle
Summary
Project leads told the joint meeting a refurbished mobile processing unit could handle about 20 beef per week now, estimating roughly $1.92 million in retained local economic value at initial scale; they said stationary capacity would raise that figure but wastewater permitting is an outstanding issue.
Project representatives, including Lucas Salazar, told the joint meeting the Matanza initiative aims to add local slaughter and processing capacity so ranchers can keep more value in the community. Salazar said a refurbished mobile unit would get the project underway and that a stationary facility later could multiply economic benefits.
"Phase 1 of the mobile Matanza... using the mobile unit that we already have in possession... we will immediately be at about a 20, 20 beef per week capacity," Salazar said. He and other presenters translated that capacity into local economic retention estimates, saying that initial operation could retain about "$1,920,000" annually for producers and local processors, and that a stationary facility would increase retained revenue further.
Presenters laid out a two‑phase model: the mobile unit to prove concept and a permanent, stationary facility for scale efficiencies (multiple carcasses at once). They cautioned that wastewater engineering and permits pose a current barrier; county staff and project engineers are working through the environmental permitting process to clear the way for permit submission. Ranchers and commissioners said the project could strengthen local agricultural viability and protect acequia‑based lands by making ranching more economically sustainable.
Officials thanked project organizers and discussed next managerial steps and possible county support; an assistant manager was reported to be preparing an executive session to address outstanding hurdles.
