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County authorizes letters seeking federal funds for Moriarty Emergency Operations Center
Summary
Torrance County authorized submission of letters of interest to U.S. senators and representatives for community project funding to help fund a planned Emergency Operations Center in Moriarty; county manager said roughly $1 million could cover design and much of construction.
Torrance County managers told commissioners March 11 they will submit letters of interest to Sen. Martin Heinrich and Rep. Melanie Stansbury seeking Congressionally Directed Spending (community project) support for an Emergency Operations Center planned for the 'Red Building' at 2807 U.S. Highway 66 in Moriarty.
County Manager Jordan Barela said the project is in programming with Studio Southwest Architects and estimated a typical federal award of about $1 million could "fund full design and approximately 75% of construction." Barela described proposed uses including emergency management offices, a sheriff vehicle processing area, public safety training space and an EOC operations room; he said the project was previously among the county's top capital priorities submitted to the state legislature.
Barela explained the federal submission process: letters of interest to representative offices, shortlisting by congressional staff, committee consideration in appropriations, and final inclusion in an omnibus bill if approved — a process that can take 12–18 months. The commission approved submission of letters to both House and Senate contacts to increase funding chances and potentially combine awards from both offices.
Chairman Ryan Schwebach moved to approve; Commissioner Kevin McCall seconded. Roll call was recorded as Yes (Schwebach), Yes (McCall), Yes (Jaramillo).
