SW New Mexico News

Election Day is approaching, and New Mexico voters have the chance to decide on General Obligation Bond 3, which proposes nearly $230 million for public higher education institutions without increasing property taxes. Interim President of New Mexico State University (NMSU), Mónica Torres, emphasized the significance of this bond in her recent statement.

The bond would allocate over $50.5 million to NMSU campuses across New Mexico. This includes $20 million earmarked for steam tunnel and electrical infrastructure upgrades at the Las Cruces campus and $15 million for Agricultural Experiment Station science and research centers statewide. Additional funds would support infrastructure improvements at NMSU-Alamogordo, NMSU-Grants, and Doña Ana Community College.

Torres highlighted the role of NMSU's Agricultural Experiment Station as a key research unit within the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences. The station focuses on research benefiting New Mexico's agricultural sector through economic, social, and cultural initiatives.

Torres recently visited research centers in Clayton, Clovis, Tucumcari, and Alcalde to assess infrastructure needs. "These centers provide tremendous value to the people they serve," she noted. She believes that backing GO Bond 3 would be an investment in New Mexico's agricultural future.

On-campus projects include replacing aging steam distribution systems to enhance utility reliability and energy efficiency while reducing maintenance costs. This initiative aims to improve indoor air quality for students and staff.

"All of these projects...represent an opportunity to extend the usable life of facilities," said Torres about prioritizing existing resources. She acknowledged rivalries with other state institutions but stressed collaboration during election season to inform voters about the bond’s importance.

GO Bond 3 also supports projects at other universities such as a new Humanities & Social Sciences Complex at UNM's main campus and renovations at UNM Health Sciences Center’s College of Pharmacy. Navajo Technical University and Southeast New Mexico College are among those expected to benefit.

Passing GO Bond 3 could create over 2,300 jobs in fields like architecture, construction, education, contributing significantly to economies across New Mexico’s cities and counties.

New Mexican voters have historically supported educational bonds that enhance facilities without tax increases. "Support for GO Bond 3 is an investment in New Mexico’s future," Torres concluded.

For further information on GO Bond 3 visit gobond.nmsu.edu or www.investinbond3.com.