This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.

“Invest in Our Planet” Earth Day Celebration Dedicates New Water Treatment System and Breaks Ground for a New Water Well in Belen, NM

The two projects improve water safety and availability

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., April 21, 2023 – Today, in honor of Earth Day 2023, USDA Rural Development State Director Patricia Dominguez led the celebration in New Mexico to dedicate a new water treatment facility and break ground for a new water well in Belen, New Mexico.

During the celebration Dominguez said, “Investments made by Rural Development in Belen will guarantee better health and economic opportunities for this community now and into the future.”

Dominguez added, “These two projects are good examples how Rural development provides access to safe water in rural New Mexico and across America.”

The celebration in Belen coincided with other Earth Day events sponsored by USDA Rural Development across the nation.

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NMSU ROTC 121st Pass-in-Review at Pride Field April 27

The New Mexico State University U.S. Air Force and Army ROTC will present the traditional public display of their cadets during a formal ceremony at Pride Field.

The 121st annual Presidential Pass-in-Review ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at the Aggie Pride Field on the NMSU Horseshoe. The public is invited to attend.

The Pass-in-Review ceremony is based off of the active-duty military’s inspection processes. It is a formal display of the strength and unity of a detachment as well as promoting teamwork and pride within an organization.

“The Reserve Officer Training Program has a storied history at NMSU dating back to 1902,” said Lt. Col. Adam Buchanan, NMSU’s Army ROTC commander. “In this our 121st year, it is our honor and privilege to add to that legacy by continuing traditions such as the Pass-In-Review. The Bataan Battalion takes pride in our community ties to the heroes who fought and sacrificed in the Philippines during World War II. This event is a great way to share that pride and continue those ties to our NMSU community and the city of Las Cruces.”

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Free Star Party Saturday, April 29

What: The Museum of Space History’s Astronomy League is hosting a Free Star Party! A great opportunity to encourage that young or old stargazer!

When: Saturday, April 29, 2023, from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

Where: In the large parking lot above the Tombaugh Education Building on the campus of the Museum.

Why: Because it’s fun to star gaze! Bring yourself and your family, we will bring the telescopes! If you have an interest in astronomy or are a telescope owner, consider joining the museum’s Astronomy League. New members are always welcome, membership forms will be available at the star party. League membership is free.

About the New Mexico Museum of Space History: www.nmspacemuseum.org 

USDA Still Accepting 2022 Census of Agriculture Forms from Mountain Region Producers

LAKEWOOD, Colo. – April 19, 2023 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is reminding Arizona, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming farmers and ranchers that the window is closing on the opportunity to participate in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. NASS is encouraging U.S. producers who have not returned their completed ag census questionnaires to do so as soon as possible to avoid additional mail, phone, email, text, and in-person follow-up, which is currently underway. 

“Thank you to the farmers and ranchers that have completed and returned their Census of Agriculture. The important data that is collected in the Ag Census provides a picture of the current state of agriculture and rural America and is used to make decisions that impact our communities and businesses,” said Rodger Ott, Director, Mountain Regional Field Office. “By responding, Mountain Region ag producers make sure the best data is available for better decisions.” 

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USDA Makes Grants Available for Organizations to Help People in Rural New Mexico to Repair Homes Damaged by Forest Fires in 2022 

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development New Mexico State Director Patricia Dominguez today announced the availability of grants for organizations to help people repair homes they own or rent that were damaged by forest fires in calendar year 2022. The homes must be located in eligible rural areas and presidentially declared disaster areas.  

“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA stand ready to deploy every resource at our disposal to help families and individuals rebuild their lives and their communities,” Dominguez said. “The assistance I'm announcing today will help make sure people in rural areas across this state who have been impacted by natural disasters in calendar year 2022 have the the resources they need to rebuild their lives and their homes. This funding is critical because we know that rural America is home to millions of people who make up America’s spirit and character.”

The grants are being made available through supplemental disaster funding under the Housing Preservation Grants program. 

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Construction Update: Construction Moves to Phase 3 on Monday, April 24

I-25 Business Loop Reconstruction Project in Truth or Consequences

Update as of Thursday, April 20, 2023

NOTE: All construction is weather permitting and is subject to changes without notice.

Construction will move to Phase 3 beginning Monday, April 24, 2023, on a project to reconstruct the I-25 Business Loop in Truth or Consequences. During Phase 3, expected to last about 6-8 weeks (through late May to mid-June), the following traffic impacts will be in place:

  • Traffic on North Date Street will be shifted to the east and reduced to one lane in each direction (northbound and southbound) from south of Smith Street to North of New School Road.
  • New School Road will be closed for three times for about two business days each time to lay storm drainage pipeline and water line across the road and repave the road. The date of these closures will be announced in advance and a detour will be provided.

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NMDOT Traffic Report for week of April 23 to 30, 2023

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continue to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.

White Sands Missile Range Notification

For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.  

Interstates: 

Date St. Business Loop Roundabout Project, T or C 

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NMSU awarded $10 million grant to lead regional technical assistance center

As one of 17 awardees selected, New Mexico State University will lead a team to establish an Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Technical Assistance Center in the region to help underserved and overburdened communities remove barriers and improve accessibility with environmental justice concerns.

Recently, the United States Environmental Protection Agency in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy announced the $177 million investments. NMSU’s project will cover EPA Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and 66 tribal nations, and will receive a five-year, $10 million award to create the South Central Environmental Justice Resource Center, or SCEJRC.

“NMSU is extremely pleased to lead this important initiative for the five state South Central region,” said NMSU interim Chancellor Jay Gogue. 

Read more ...

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