Editor's Note: This is part 4 of a multi-part series. This article covers the last two of the local government presentations—Santa Clara and the Southwest Council of Governments.

By Mary Alice Murphy

Mayor Richard Bauch and Clerk Sheila Hudman, representing the village of Santa Clara, presented their needs and requests to Sen. Howie Morales, Rep. Dianne Hamilton and Representative-elect, John Zimmerman.

Hudman apologized for getting the drawings to the legislators so late, "but we just got them back yesterday."

"We, too, as others have said, have difficulty getting reimbursements," Hudman said. "We have an outstanding one for 2012 from the DFA and also from CDBG.

"We submitted on time," Hudman said. "We're given two years to complete a project, and if we don't, we lose out on two funding processes, because we haven't received the agreements or the reimbursements."

"You're not getting the CDBG due to DFA?" Zimmerman asked for clarification.

Priscilla Lucero, Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments executive director, explained: "The federal funding is funneled through the state. Only the large cities get the funding directly from the federal agency."

"The information was revised and sent in in August," Lucero said. "I looked at it with them last week. Usually they can get it approved in 30 days, but this is three months and ongoing."

"So the problem is in the state?" Zimmerman asked.

"You don't hear these issues on the news, but they have the most impact on communities," Morales said. "The DFA has had constant turnover and these issues are continually happenening. You have to let us know and we can get involved. It's the same issue with the water improvements in Santa Clara. It's continually happening."

Lucero noted that all the CDBG projects in the county are being held up.

"I have a cell phone, 575-649-1217," Zimmerman said. "I want you to report these to me. I'm the newbie, and I'm not bashful about screaming loudly."

Bauch continued that CDBG grants require completion within two years. "If we can't get the agreements, we lose time and can't apply again in the next cycle."

"Thirty days is a sufficient time," Zimmerman said. "Such inefficiencies are unacceptable. If we know about them we will raise our voices."

"Our No. 1 ICIP priority is the water improvements, which have been funded by Colonias," Bauch said."No. 2 is the cemetery; No. 3 the sewer lift station on Fort Bayard, which is on the verge of being inoperable; and No. 4 is the maintenance shop.

"We are asking for capital outlay for our cemetery, which we will do in two phases," he continued. "We want to improve the cemetery service area with an awning and we need fencing. The request is for $150,000.

"We also request funding for our maintenance shop, which is not large enough to put vehicles in for maintenance," Bauch said. "It is only slightly larger than a two-car garage. We started it and want to complete it. We need $200,000 so we are able to service our vehicles."

"Where are we with audits?" Morales asked.

"We are completely caught up," Bauch said.

"We are waiting on the Housing Authority numbers to complete this year's audit," Hudman clarified.

"Under your leadership, you came into a difficult situation," Morales said. "Congratulations on catching up on your audits."

"We are also working with the National Guard to develop a temporary MOU so we can continue using the facility," Bauch said. "We anticipate in about a year or so, the armory will close and it will transfer to the village. We use it for meetings and events every month or so. We want the agreement to keep it open for use."

"Could this offer economic development?" Morales asked. "It's an opportunity for the village, but you will need funds. Can you look at federal monies?

Priscilla Lucero, Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments executive director, said: "Currently the EDA is looking for projects in New Mexico. The village will look for the 20 percent match."

"Does Santa Clara have the match?" Morales asked.

"Yes, and it will be a great opportunity for the village and economic development, Bauch concurred.

Lucero presented the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments requests.

"All of the local entities are having trouble getting capital outlay agreements," she said. "I have to sit in front of them to get them signed and completed. I'm having a hard time understanding why it's taking so long.

"For Colonias, it's 9-12 months to get the agreement to begin a project," Lucero said. "For Community Development Block Grants, it's the same. There is no institutional knowledge left, as the longest any personnel members have been there is six to nine months."

She said she has been involved in the implementation of the broadband plan. "I would like to see this for the region, and it is regional."

"We seek funds for being fiscal agents," Lucero said. "We are fiscal agents for eight capital outlay projects and for the DWI Program. It's quite an additional responsibility.

"This past year, Colonias awarded $2.4 million to regional entities," she said. "I expect to handle 10 to 15 applications this year. CDBG awarded $1.5 million to the area."

On the Essential Air Service, she said Great Lakes would continue offering service to Phoenix until the signatures are received in the U.S. Department of Transportation Office in D.C. to award the subsidies to Boutique Air. When it is awarded Shawn Simpson, Boutique Air owner, has said he would bring a plane down to introduce the community to the service.

[Editor's Note: See update on the awarding of the service to Boutique Air at http://www.grantcountybeat.com/news/news-articles/18950-boutique-air-chosen-by-usdot-to-provide-essential-air-service-to-grant-county ]

"We have again applied for the Promise Zone," Lucero said. "This is our second attempt. We came in second last year and hope to get it this year. It will bring federal funds to the area."

"When is the soonest date for Boutique?" Hamilton asked.

"Simpson's one concern was that he didn't want to hire until he had the contract signed," Lucero said. "I would expect it will be signed in the next couple of weeks. Boutique will provide service to Albuquerque."

"Priscilla presented the issues to the Economic Development Committee," Morales said. "I am proud to have her here and I thank you (to Priscilla) for all you do for us.

"Concerns about Great Lakes were that it goes to Phoenix," Morales said. "Everyone came together or we would have had no air service here. All the airlines you called complied and sent their proposals and information. And Boutique was chosen. Without your work, and that of the local leaders, and the dedication of those who work for the COG, it wouldn't have happened.

"Boutique will fly to Albuquerque, and if a need to fly to Phoenix is determined, Boutique will consider that, too," Morales noted.

"I will also be happy to guide you, Rep. Zimmerman," Morales said.

"I'm not the sharpest, but you are," Zimmerman said to Lucero. "And I can be the bad guy. It's important for all of you presenters to give us a poke when we need it."

Morales thanked Lucero for all the work she does in the region.

"An executive order was put out that if an audit had findings, the entity might not be eligible for capital outlay," Morales said.

"I also got disturbing news that your being fiscal agent for groups may be good for only one year," he said. "Make sure everyone gets their audits in place."

"I'm fiscal agent for Hurley for two years," Lucero said. "I heard that if it was law enforcement audits with findings, they might not be eligible."

"It's because of the decrease in severance bonds," Morales said. "Colonias is now over $15 million. Over the next five years, it will likely decline to $10 million."

The next article will begin to address the education presentations.

Note: This article is taken directly from a transcript this writer is paid to deliver to the Prospectors each year for them to put the differently formatted information into the legislators' notebooks to be used during the legislative session and throughout the year.

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