New Mexico section of Route 66 named as a top travel experience for 2024
National Geographic recently unveiled its selections for Best of the World 2024 and the section of Route 66 that runs through New Mexico has been named one of the top travel experiences. Each year the publication releases the list to put a spotlight on places around the world and illuminates diversity across various communities. New Mexico is one of four U.S. destinations this year that made the list, which is written by National Geographic travel editors, experts and expedition leaders. Hacienda at Armendaris near Truth or Consequences was also picked as one of the best new hotels for 2024.
Governor announces 50-year water action plan, setting path for water conservation, innovation
Gov. Michelle Lujan-Grisham recently announced a water action plan with the goal of ensuring that New Mexicans will have access to clean water for the next 50 years. New Mexico is currently one of the driest states in the west and is no stranger to drought. Water experts have predicted that the state will have 25 percent less water to use in the next five decades. This means New Mexicans would have to drastically reduce and change their water usage to adjust to this bleak reality.
The Lujan Grisham administration—with the help of leading scientists, hydrologists, geologists, and researchers—created a 50-Year Water Action Plan to safeguard the state’s most precious resource for future generations. This plan has also taken into consideration vital input from nations, tribes, pueblos, farmers, and other stakeholders. Some of the key provisions would include a water education campaign to reduce community water consumption by 10 percent and a new surface water discharge permitting program to keep rivers, streams, and lakes clean.
6th Annual Latinx Games Festival is coming to ABQ
Let the games begin! The National Hispanic Cultural Center announced it was selected as the site for the 6th Annual Latinx Games Festival. The festival, founded in 2019, looks to connect, learn from and advocate for Latinx game developers and give them a global platform in the video game industry.
This year the festival will be held from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22 with award-winning panelists, breakout sessions, and even an e-sports tournament on campus. Registration will be made available on nhccnm.org ahead of the festival start date. For more information about the festival, visit latinxgamesfestival.com.
Bernalillo County reminds public to support local during construction
If you’ve driven on Bridge Blvd. lately then you’ve probably noticed the construction that’s been going on for a while. As the construction continues, Bernalillo County, along with South Valley MainStreet, has reminded folks to support the local businesses that have taken a hit because of it.
The construction project that runs from the Atrisco Riverside Drain to Young Ave. is the second of a four-phase design project for the Bridge Boulevard Corridor Redevelopment Plan. Traffic patterns were recently adjusted from the eastbound lanes to the westbound lanes of Bridge. Businesses like El Paisa, Los Forasteros Mexican Food, Imprenta Chihuahua Print Shop, Cuauhtemoc Tortilleria, Carniceria La Diferencia and Mr. G’s Automotive are experiencing construction right at their front door, but they are still open and ready to serve customers.
The current phase is expected to be completed this Fall. Phase 3, between Young Ave. and Lura Pl., is currently in the study phase. Design is scheduled for later this year and construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.