Improvements coming to South Valley park
Bernalillo County got $410,000 from the State of New Mexico for upgrades to the Dolores Huerta Gateway Park. The improvements, which are part of the South Valley Main Street Program aim to spruce up a picnic area and build a new “gateway” structure, among other updates. There will also be improvements to the sidewalks and concrete fixtures in the area along with the addition of power outlets.
State pushes for water reuse rule
The New Mexico Environment Department’s Water Protection Division last month petitioned the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) to consider a new rule to protect the state’s surface and groundwater while also encouraging water reuse to help combat climate change.
“The reality of water in New Mexico is changing in light of extreme drought,” said Water Protection Division Director John Rhoderick in a statement. “Taking steps now to safely encourage new projects to recycle our water supply is vital as we build a more resilient water system for generations to come.”
More information about the rule can be found at www.env.nm.gov/water-reuse/.
Teachers set to receive money for mentorship
The New Mexico Public Education Department received an $8,000,000 federal grant that spans five years, as a part of a statewide effort to give teacher hopefuls a year’s worth of mentorship from veteran educators.
In a news release the education department said the grant program is part of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s push to bolster teacher recruitment in the state.
Money for military artists
New Mexico Arts announced the winners of the 2024 Arts and Military Mini Grant program. The grants, according to a Department of Cultural Affairs news release, will support art organizations and “veteran-focused organizations” help expand art opportunities for military veterans and those in active duty.
SouthWest Writer, Santa Fe Children’s Museum, Flamenco Works, New Mexico Veteran Art, are just a few of the 19 organizations chosen to receive these mini grants.
New overnight “receiving area” finished
The City of Albuquerque announced the launch of a “receiving area” for first responders at the Gateway Center.
City officials in a news release said the new addition will provide a place to take those in need of help when jail or the hospital is not the answer.
“Our city needs a place where first responders can take people to get resources no matter what time of day,” Mayor Tim Keller said in a statement.
According to the city, continual intake capabilities will not immediately be available, but by the end of the month, the facility should be able to accept people at any time.
County to pay landlords
Bernalillo County launched its Landlord Incentive Pilot Program in an effort to encourage property owners to rent out more homes to those who qualify for low income subsidies. The program is funded through June of this year and will reimburse qualified landlords for damages from tenants and financial losses from vacancies, according to a county news release. The county says the program will be evaluated through June to determine whether the program should go beyond the pilot period.