State lawmakers secure capital outlay and bonding for Gallup projects; Representative Lundstrom outlines session highlights

State Representative Patty Lundstrom told the Council this was her 25th year presenting a legislative update and summarized key actions from the recent 30-day session.

Lundstrom highlighted passage of House Bill 99, a medical malpractice bill intended to place caps and higher standards of proof to assist smaller hospitals and physician recruitment. She also discussed Senate Bill 2, which authorizes bonding for 19 roadway projects including six in McKinley County, and noted the House received $2.5 million in capital outlay funding with $500,000 secured for the Allison Road Corridor utility relocation, a prerequisite to unlocking $52 million in federal matching funds.

Brandon Howe, deputy director of the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments, provided a funding recap listing local allocations he said included $500,000 for Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements, $200,000 for affordable and workforce housing, $100,000 for regional library acquisition, and $500,000 for Allison Road Corridor utility relocation design. He confirmed $1 million for recreation projects and noted $5 million for Red Rock Park in McKinley County. Howe said some projects, such as the Downtown Utilities Replacement and New Municipal Complex, were not funded and that the COG will work with staff to identify next-year capital outlay strategies.

Council members thanked the legislative delegation and discussed next steps around capital outlay administration and the Governor's pending action on bills.