Non-Local News Releases

December 4-6 and December 10-13
Order Number 03-03-02-24-17

Albuquerque, NM, November 29, 2024 – A temporary area, roads, and trails Closure Order (03-03-02-24-17) has been issued within the Mt. Taylor Ranger District, Cibola National Forest, McKinley County, New Mexico.

This Order shall be in effect from December 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM, through December 6, 2024, at 4 PM, and December 10, 2024, at 2:00 PM, through December 13, 2024 at 4 PM. unless rescinded.

(Albuquerque, NM) As we prepare for Thanksgiving feasts, football games and Black Friday shopping, PNM warns that scammers are likely making plans too.

This time of year, PNM sees an increase in reports from customers receiving phone calls and texts from fake utility representatives seeking customers' hard-earned money.

Once customers are on the phone, the scammer says they are with PNM, claims the customer is behind on their bill and threatens to immediately disconnect electricity unless they pay with a prepaid gift card or an electronic banking transfer.

State supports companies commercializing new technologies with grants of up to $50K
SANTA FE, N.M. — New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) Secretary-Designate Rob Black announced today that the Office of Strategy, Science and Technology has awarded Science & Technology Business Startup Grants to seven burgeoning technology companies.

The grants are available to New Mexico-based for-profit science and technology companies with high-growth potential. Eligible businesses must work in one of the following fields: advanced computing, advanced energy, aerospace, bioscience, and water technology. The grant specifically seeks to support companies that provide a unique product or service, have a clear and compelling business proposition, demonstrate a scalable product and business model, have the potential to create jobs in New Mexico and/or garner private investment, and can provide economic benefit to the state greater than the award amount.

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission published the New Mexico Water Security Planning Act: Engagement Report, which details the public engagement activities carried out as part of the process to develop a ruleset and guidelines under the Water Security Planning Act of 2023. The report is now available to read at MainStreamNM.org/data-and-reports/.

Through the Main Stream New Mexico campaign, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) conducted 16 open house public meetings throughout the state to involve communities in the process to develop a ruleset and guidelines under the Water Security Planning Act. This conversation is especially critical now, as New Mexico faces a projected 25% reduction in surface water over the next 50 years.

MESILLA - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office in cooperation with La Calerita Construction, LLC. (Contractor) is excited to announce the $22.7M multi-modal project of 1.419 miles of University Avenue/New Mexico State Road 101 from Avenida de Mesilla to South Main Street. This project includes new curb and gutter, sidewalks, a multi-use path, ADA ramps, storm drain and drainage structures, roadway signage, roadway striping, new lighting and new railroad crossings.

Beginning Tuesday, November 26, 2024, drivers can expect various daytime lane closures near the intersection of Avenida de Mesilla and University Ave removing the old sidewalk, removing signage throughout the project and starting dirt work where needed. No long-term traffic impacts are expected until mid-December. The contractor's hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Albuquerque, NM) – PNM requested approval of new resources to meet customer demand for the summer of 2028 while helping PNM's continued progress toward meeting the New Mexico Energy Transition Act's 100% carbon-free requirements. Currently, PNM's resource portfolio is more than 64% carbon free, and if these resources are approved, PNM will be 77% carbon free in 2028.

The proposed resource portfolio extends existing resources and adds 430 megawatts (MWs) of new solar and battery storage resources to reliably meet PNM's forecasted peak load requirements in 2028 to continue progress toward the zero-carbon requirements of New Mexico's Energy Transition Act.

LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office (NMDOT) along with White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) have posted an alert for Saturday, November 23, 2024.

US 70 will be blocked once at 2:20 a.m. This block will last approximately 50 minutes to one hour and should lift at or around 3:20 a.m. This block will be located at Blue Block (2 miles east of the access road - Mile Marker 172) and Yellow Block (located at Mile Marker 200). San Augustin Pass and LC Gate are NOT affected by this block; however, Nike Avenue will be affected.

All roadblocks are subject to change without notice, please call WSMR at 575-678-2221/2222 for updates or go to New Mexico Department of Transportation: www.nmroads.com or call 511.

SANTA FE, NM – This Black Friday, New Mexico State Parks is offering a special opportunity to enjoy the state's natural beauty and outdoor recreation with free day-use access to all 35 state parks. Visitors can take advantage of this unique offer on Friday, November 29, 2024, to explore New Mexico's diverse landscapes—from scenic lakes and mountains to deserts and canyons—without the usual day-use fee.

"We're excited to invite New Mexicans and visitors alike to skip the crowds and experience the tranquility and beauty of our state parks on Black Friday," said Director Toby Velasquez. "This day is about promoting wellness, connecting with nature, and discovering the incredible outdoor experiences our parks have to offer. We hope people will take the opportunity to opt outside and enjoy some fresh air with family and friends."