USDA NM Rural Development Director Terry Brunner, left, presents two certificates of obligation of funds to Charles Kelly, Bayard mayor.
From left are Gabe Vasquez of Sen. Martin Heinrich's office, Melanie Goodman of Sen. Tom Udall's office, Brunner, Kelly, Bayard Clerk/Treasurer Kristina Ortiz, Councilor Chon Fierro, Joe Baca of Congressman Steve Pearce's office, Willy Kerin and James Fleming of the Bayard Police Department.
By Mary Alice Murphy
Bayard City Clerk/Treasurer Kristy Ortiz welcomed guests to the Bayard Community Center on Thursday morning for an obligation of funds presentation. She introduced Mayor Charles Kelly.
"The USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) Rural Development has helped us maintain, sustain and improve our little town," Kelly said. "Most of the time you come through and help us. We put in our share, too."
USDA New Mexico Rural Development Director Terry Brunner said he talks about Bayard all over the state. "I was in Questa the other day. It's a small town with a shut down mine. We brag about Bayard and the working relationship we have. We have helped with a real diversity of projects—the library, police vehicles and community center improvement. Today we will talk about buying new police vehicles and water infrastructure improvements. The Impact Initiative grant gives you $89,000 for public safety projects, and we are giving a grant/loan for $946,000 for water infrastructure improvements, including digital meters and water line upgrades."
"With better data from the meters, we can get savings and use the water wisely," Kelly said. "All the improvements are little projects that get things done for this town."
Kelly thanked Sandra Alarcon, Clyde Hudson and Kathy Barrett from the Las Cruces Office.
Brunner presented two certificates of obligation of funds.
Melanie Goodman, Sen. Tom Udall area representative, said she didn't know of another community that has a better partnership with the USDA. "Congratulations. Water conservation is critical." She then read a statement from Udall, in which he said: "Rural communities are the backbone of our nation and states. These USDA grants help New Mexico rural economies continue to support their residents. We appreciate the work the USDA does for rural communities, and I will continue to fight for the funding."
Gabe Vasquez, Sen. Martin Heinrich area representation, said usually when he sees Brunner it is for good news. In the statement from Heinrich, Vasquez read: "We're here to acknowledge the significant investment in Bayard. It helps rural communities to have emergency services and brings water and wastewater infrastructure. I will continue to be your partner in Washington, D.C."
Joe Baca, Congressman Steve Pearce area representative, said: "As a former law enforcement officer, I know the importance of good vehicles. They provide the necessary safety services to residents." In the statement from Pearce he read: "Congratulations to all who were involved in this project, especially Terry Brunner and his team. It will improve the quality of life in Bayard. Your efforts are an example to rural communities."
Kelly said he wanted to reiterate how important these things are. "They are small compared to a $10 million project, but they are big opportunities for us. We appreciate the working relationship. I appreciate Kristy and her staff. In this little town, people appreciate what is done. Water meters will help with staffing. The vehicles and the vests, which save lives, are a godsend for the Police Department. Thanks."
City Councilor Chon Fierro said he appreciated what everyone there does for the city of Bayard. He said he wanted to recognize Maintenance Superintendent Eddie Sedillos. Kelly noted that Sedillos has been with the city for at least 30 years. "We won't let him retire."
Willy Kerin of the Police Department said Sedillos knows the town so well, "he's our rookies' GPS."
Ortiz noted that with the USDA funding and another $16,000 from the state, the police have more than $100,000 for their needs. With the state funding, the water project funding equals $1,180,000. "And we have lots of projects we're working on."
The next stop was in Silver City for another presentation to be covered in a future article.