CEDS - EPCOG.org

Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategy
2012
Eastern Plains Council of Governments
418 Main St. Clovis, NM 88101
575 762-7714
www.epcog.org
Creating a Better Future
lanning District IV is among the most desirable places in the state to live and work. It is a
region where excellence has been accomplished in providing a quality life to all, both young and old and
where every person has a safe, decent and affordable home in which to live and raise their family. Region IV
has a diverse economy that provides opportunities for all, where people come from all over the United States
and from around the world to see and enjoy its unique possessions. It is an area where its natural resources
have been preserved for future generations, where the infrastructure system links the communities, and where
a partnership of governments is investing for a better future. “Learn the Past, watch the present, and create
the future”
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Table of Contents
Section Page
Section I: Introduction
Page
Economic Development Agency
7
8
Section II: Regional Overview
State of the Economy
New Mexico
Regional Partners
District Economic Indicators
4
5- 6
Pages
9-11
11-27
Section III: Curry County
Pages
27-40
Section IV: De Baca County
Pages
40-45
Section V: Guadalupe County
Pages
45-53
Section VI: Harding County
Pages
53-58
Section VII: Quay County
Pages
58-70
Section VIII: Roosevelt County
Pages
70-86
Pages
86-102
Pages
103-108
Section IX: Union County
Section X: Economic Development Resources
3
Section I: Introduction
Eastern Plains Council of Governments, State Planning and Development District IV
The Eastern Plains Council of Governments (EPCOG) was established in 1972, under the Regional Planning Act. The
Eastern Plains Council of Governments serves District IV, which encompasses seven counties, Curry, De Baca, Harding,
Guadalupe, Roosevelt, Quay, and Union. Together, these seven counties contain twenty-two municipalities. In 1978, the
Economic Development Administration (EDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce authorized the designation of the
region as an Economic Development District. Since that time, the EPCOG has served District IV in a multiplicity of
roles, one of the most significant of which for this planning organization has been the collaboration of public, private,
and governmental sectors in a combined effort to formulate a comprehensive regional plan. As an Economic
Development District, the EPCOG is responsible for preparing and adopting a new Comprehensive Economic
Development Strategic plan (CEDS) at least every five years. The EPCOG provides the organizational structure for the
development of the CEDS and serves as a regional coordinating body to assure the plan’s implementation.
The EPCOG serves three critical roles in the drafting of the document. One, data collection is gathered and analyzed for
population trends, income patterns, and employment fluctuations. Two, a Strategic Committee is created to oversee the
drafting of the CEDS document, the committee being comprised of both private- and public-sector representatives, the
members including public officials, community leaders, workforce groups, educators from institutions of higher
education, minority and labor groups, and private individuals. Three, each county and city chapter is reviewed and the
results of the reviews compiled into the final document. The final CEDS document is then submitted to the EDA for
consideration and review. EPCOG will also submit a report accompanying this draft to EDA.
How to Use the CEDS
The CEDS document provides background information on current regional infrastructure: state of the economy for each
county and municipality and the overall economic status of the region. The document explores three components within
the region that have a significant impact on the state of the economy. From the information thus gathered, the committee
makes recommendations regarding future economic development strategies with measurable regional goals.
The first component identifies strengths within District IV. From this information, economic development strategies are
formulated, which are intended to support and expand the economic strengths of the region. The second component
identifies potential economic threats to the district and explores their regional impact. Many economic variables
including threats can impact the economic base of a region by altering future business, employment, and population
statistics and trends. For this reason, it is essential to recognize potential threats and try to minimize their impact. The
third component makes a statistical analysis of economic generators and indicators in order to make projections of
patterns of future economic growth and development. Detailed information concerning the EDA’s funding sources,
priorities, policy guidelines, and evaluation criteria can be accessed through the Federal Register, in which they are
published annually. Further information is available on the EDA web site at www.eda.gov
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Economic Development Administration
http://www.eda.gov/
"To lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing
American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy."
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) was established under the Public Works and Economic
Development act of 1965, which contains an amendment whose formulations were intended to spur the generation of
new jobs, help the continuation of existing jobs, and generally stimulate industrial and commercial growth in
economically distressed areas of the United States.
The EDA also provides funding to assist projects that will significantly benefit areas experiencing or threatened with
substantial economic distress. Such distress may exist in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, high levels of
unemployment, low average income levels, large concentrations of low-income families, significant declines in per
capita income, substantial loss of opportunities, large numbers (or high rates) of business failure, sudden major layoffs or
plant closures, military base closures, natural or other major disasters, depletion of natural resources, and/or reduced tax
bases. It is not limited not limited to, high levels of unemployment, low average income levels, large concentrations of
low-income families, significant declines in per capita income, substantial loss of opportunities, large numbers (or high
rates) of business failure, sudden major layoffs or plant closures, military base closures, natural or other major disasters,
depletion of natural resources, and/or reduced tax bases.
AUSTIN REGIONAL OFFICE
Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Pedro R. Garza, Regional
Director
504 Lavaca Street
P: 512-381-8144
Suite 1100
F: 512-381-8177
Austin, TX 78701-2858
E: [email protected]
Economic Development Representative and States Covered
Louisiana & South Texas
Louisiana
Jorge D. Ayala
Pamela Davidson-Ehlers
Austin Regional Office
501 Magazine Street, Room 1025
504 Lavaca Street, Suite 1100
New Orleans, LA 70130
Austin, TX 78701
T: (504) 589-4179
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T: (512) 381-8150
F: (504) 589-4178
E: [email protected]
E: [email protected]
Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, North Texas
Sharon T. Frerking
Austin Regional Office
504 Lavaca Street, Suite 1100
Austin, TX 78701
T: (512) 381-8176
E: [email protected]
EDA Investment Policy Guidelines
During the past several years, the EDA has provided funding assistance for projects in State Planning and DevelopmentDistrict IV. Thus, for example, in 2003, Roosevelt County utilized $800,000 for the creation of the Business
Development Center, which provides combined workforce-training and economic-development functions. This
collaborative-business effort unites initiatives by the Portales Economic Development Corporation, the
Portales/Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce, the Eastern Area Workforce Development Board One-Stop Career
Center, and the outreach/training efforts of Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell. Currently, this center provides an
excellent training facility in Roosevelt County, a facility which tends to enhance the effectiveness of Roosevelt Countyarea and local Portales businesses through education and training initiatives. The center exemplifies a major
breakthrough in combining economic-development efforts with vital workforce-training programs
Reference to Other Documents
In addition to the CEDS plans and Annual Reports, other documents are produced by EPCOG that directly relate to
economic development in District IV. These include the Five-Year Housing Plan, the Five-Year Workforce Plan, and
comprehensive plans for individual counties. EPCOG recently went under contract with the New Mexico Highway and
Transportation Department to maintain the long-range regional transportation plan for two separate Regional Planning
Organizations (RPO’s). CEDS plans and related documents are specifically prepared for use by local officials, public
agencies, and members of the private sector who require statistical and planning information about District IV.
The first section of this document is a regional overview of the current state of the district economy. It is essential to
recognize that exceptional work can be accomplished through the collaboration of various agencies in a regional
approach to problem-solving. In his book Regional Excellence, William Dodge states that “Regional decision making or
governance is the interaction of community officials and citizens, and the organizations they represent, as they design
strategies for addressing challenges that cut across communities and deliver services for meeting common needs.” This
definition, which appears precisely relevant to our mission, is further elaborated in the following section and then in
subsequent chapters.
This document will analyze the overall economic disposition of District IV in a regional perspective. This overview will
describe the district’s physical characteristics, and then address the following five questions. The answers to these
questions serve to further define the current state of the district economy and shape its future strategic planning.
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Section II: Regional Overview
The district covers approximately 18,064 square miles and contains a diverse topography that includes vast farm lands
and grass lands found in Curry and Roosevelt Counties, rolling plains and mesas in De Baca and Guadalupe Counties,
and grassy plains in Harding and Quay counties. Union county features high mesa, deep canyons and various elevations
with plateaus near occasional volcanic mountains. The Climate is semi-arid, characterized by clear sunny days,
fluctuating daily temperatures, low humidity, moderate low rainfall, and moderate to strong winds. Annual precipitation
varies from 17.51 inches in the southern areas of the district to 14.45 the northern section of the region. The region is
rural in nature with Curry County being the largest populated County, with Harding County being the least populated.
The population density for the district averages 4.5 persons per square mile. From this statistic it is evident that land is
by far the most abundant resource in the region. Much of the land is privately owned at 82%, state ownership is 15 %,
and federal ownership accounts for 3 %. The famous and popular old route 66 passes right through the heart of
Tucumcari, New Mexico in Quay County.
WHY IS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VITAL IN EVERY COMMUNITY?
Job Creation – targeting job creation creates opportunities with better wages, benefits and opportunities for
advancement
Increased Tax Base – provides a revenue stream that supports infrastructure development and community services
Economic Diversification – reduces a community’s vulnerability to a single business sector
Quality of Life – increased tax dollars and jobs raises the standard of living for everyone
Local Self-Sufficiency – means public services are less dependent on intergovernmental influences and increases
sustainability
Productive Use of Property – the “highest and best use” of any property maximizes the value of the property
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State of the Economy
The economy of District IV is clearly growing. This is due in large part to the designation of Clovis and Portales as a
“Microplex” which makes it more attractive as a trade center. The designation allows Clovis and Portales to list
themselves as a single 50,000 population-member community for economic development purposes. Another reason is
the continued expansion of Cannon Air Force Base with its new mission as a special operations wing base. The district
saw many economic development successes. In Clovis, the retail community developed with the location of new
businesses such as Lowes, Hobby Lobby, Chili’s, Applebees, Restaurants, Hastings, Hibbet Sports, IHOP, Romas Italian
Restaurant among others.
Portales continues to expand as one of the most productive and fastest growing food and dairy processing and exporting
centers in the nation, and Eastern New Mexico University in Portales is now the third largest state university, with over
4,000 full time students. Major businesses expanding in Portales. Ashley’s Furniture Center, DairiConcepts, New
Mexico Machinery Inc., Sunland Peanuts, and Western Dairy Transport. Portales is a strong retail center for “big ticket”
purchases such as autos, furniture, appliances, and agricultural and ranch equipment and supplies. Segments such as
food and accommodations, clothing and accessories are being courted as strong opportunities exist in Portales to expand
supply in these areas to meet growing demands. Food service is projected to be one of the fastest-growing segments of
the Portales retail economy through 2015.
Clovis’ major employers are civilian personnel at Cannon Air Force Base with 686 employees, Plains Regional Medical
Center with 600 employees, followed by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad’s 550 employees, Wal-Mart
Supercenter’s 400 employees, 368 federal employees, 448 City of Clovis employees and 360 Eastern New Mexico
Rehabilitation Service employees, Southwest Cheese with 330 employees and Allsup’s with 3000 employees. Clovis
Municipal Schools with 1,050 Portales with a close (10 minute) market area population of 16,000 has a civilian labor
force of over 9,700 people. In total, 26% of the employment base in Portales is related to higher education and
government, and 20% is related to agriculture and value-added food production, while 11% is related to visitor traffic.
The largest employers in Portales are Eastern New Mexico University with 1,420, Portales Municipal Schools with 375
employees, and Roosevelt General Hospital with 247 employees. Roosevelt County employed 2,411 people in education
and government, 1,924 in agriculture and food production, and 1,161 in services related to visitors.
Portales and Clovis offer some of the most affordable and stable real estate prices in the country. New residential
housing development or sales in the Microplex more than doubled, meaning aggressive development has sprung up to
meet the needs of a tight residential housing market. In all, the number of new housing permits increased in 2011 in the
Microplex. The total value of new homes in 2011 was more than $32 million. Houses listed and sold between January
and August of 2011 in the Clovis market increased. Over the past thee years, the number of houses sold in the
Clovis/Portales Microplex and the average price of those homes increased steadily. It is expected that additional homes
will continue to increase and home prices stablize between 2008 and 2014.
This increase in real estate spending in Clovis is a more positive indicator than the recent downturn nationwide. The
U.S. Department of Commerce recently released figures showing money spent on construction in July of that year
reached $997.2 billion nationwide, an increase of .4 percent over June and an all-time high for construction spending.
About $537.4 billion of that was spent on private residential construction, the release showed. The number of homes
valued between $150,000 and $200,000 in the US increased by 22.5 percent between 2003 and 2007. The value of land
and housing continued to increase in response to an increased demand, which was spurred by new businesses and
8
increases in per capita income. However, Portales and Clovis remain relatively affordable in the region and the nation,
especially when paired with a vibrant regional economy, with resale home prices that can be found under $100 per
square foot, and vacant commercial/industrial properties very affordable.
New Mexico
New Mexico’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.6 percent in September 2011, unchanged from August but
down from 8.6 percent a year ago. The national unemployment rate remained at 9.1 percent. Previously, New Mexico’s
unemployment rate had fallen for six consecutive months after peaking at 8.7 percent at the start of the year.
As mentioned last month, if the labor force participation rate (LFPR) had held steady at pre-recession levels of around 63
percent, the measured unemployment rate would have continued to gradually increase through September 2011.
The rate of over-the-year job growth, comparing September 2011 with September 2010, was 0.2 percent, representing an
increase of 1,700 jobs. This gain marked the fourth straight month of over-the-year job growth, following a 32-month
period of losses.
The slow recovery started a while back, but lack of significant momentum left the state’s job growth rate close to the
zero line for over a year. A number of industries are now cautiously adding jobs, but there is continuing evidence of
restraint. The current job situation includes eight growing and five declining industries.
The educational & health services industry added 5,500 jobs, growing at a 4.6 percent rate since this time last year. This
industry seems to always do well, slowing down during recessions, but never turning negative and losing jobs. As the
largest private-sector industry, educational & health services’ consistent growth provides stability for the economy as a
whole.
Retail trade has made a comeback from previous losses to report 4,000 additional jobs for September, while wholesale
trade posted a gain of 1,600 jobs. The mining industry reported another gain, up 1,700 jobs, following 14 months of
losses that ended in 2010.
The financial activities industry posted a gain of 1,900 jobs that followed three years of job losses ending earlier this
year. The transportation, warehousing & utilities industry gained 300 jobs, up 1.4 percent. Gains were also reported in
leisure & hospitality, up 400 jobs, and miscellaneous other services, up 200.
The remaining four private-sector industries each recorded declining employment. The professional & business services
industry reported employment that was down 7,400 jobs from last year. Construction was down 4,300 jobs over the year,
which is especially disappointing when considering the jobs previously lost since 2008.
The information industry reported employment levels that were down 200 jobs from last year, continuing a recent trend.
The manufacturing industry, down 100 jobs, has posted erratic job growth in 2011, bouncing between positive and
negative territory. Manufacturing employment has taken devastating losses over the last decade.
Government employment registered a net decrease of 1,900 jobs from the year-ago total, with losses concentrated at the
local level. Reported survey data for local government show employment down 2,300 jobs since this time last year.
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Federal employment was up by 400 jobs, while state government reported employment that was unchanged from last
year.
Projected Population (Red
Counties are Eastern Plains
Council of Governments
area)
New Mexico Counties
July 1, 2005 to July 1, 2035
County
NEW MEXICO
Bernalillo
Catron
Chaves
Cibola
Colfax
Curry
De Baca
Dona Ana
Eddy
Grant
Guadalupe
Harding
Hidalgo
Lea
Lincoln
Los Alamos
Luna
McKinley
Mora
Otero
Quay
Rio Arriba
Roosevelt
Sandoval
San Juan
San Miguel
Santa Fe
Sierra
Socorro
Taos
Torrance
Union
Valencia
2005
2010
1,969,292
614,508
3,712
62,203
28,506
14,375
46,289
2,256
192,474
52,167
31,511
4,743
778
5,966
57,006
21,898
19,864
26,394
78,013
5,440
63,994
10,106
43,024
18,771
107,104
126,008
30,719
143,306
13,657
18,513
31,931
18,282
4,315
71,459
2,162,331
713,020
3,881
63,272
29,844
14,803
47,861
2,268
215,828
54,145
33,626
5,114
823
6,300
60,896
22,733
20,129
27,985
80,747
5,636
66,292
10,232
44,072
19,399
125,675
133,170
31,827
151,510
13,717
19,250
33,879
20,052
4,449
79,894
As of July 1…
2015
2020
2,356,236
811,861
4,040
65,025
31,164
15,323
49,117
2,313
237,241
56,331
35,748
5,553
868
6,667
64,410
23,574
20,252
29,755
84,301
5,855
68,814
10,311
45,224
19,876
144,087
140,523
33,137
159,056
13,793
20,012
35,960
22,184
4,814
89,045
2,540,145
905,393
4,176
66,933
32,293
15,836
50,177
2,349
256,619
58,294
37,744
5,961
901
7,061
67,479
24,211
20,503
31,479
88,155
6,007
71,051
10,344
46,206
20,188
163,315
146,815
34,284
165,719
13,887
20,678
38,013
24,584
5,029
98,459
2025
2030
2035
2,707,757
993,650
4,263
68,720
33,138
16,214
50,955
2,372
274,661
59,731
39,589
6,328
918
7,420
70,193
24,518
20,880
32,919
91,200
6,066
72,517
10,289
46,674
20,330
182,592
151,501
35,067
170,730
13,959
21,167
39,743
26,990
5,169
107,294
2,864,796
1,080,297
4,292
70,547
33,873
16,480
51,582
2,401
291,895
60,764
41,369
6,717
932
7,739
72,928
24,640
21,158
34,231
93,294
6,094
73,436
10,199
46,879
20,366
200,822
155,593
35,677
174,124
13,989
21,526
41,145
29,132
5,259
115,416
3,018,289
1,166,590
4,292
72,667
34,624
16,720
52,226
2,438
309,279
61,605
43,140
7,160
954
8,051
75,716
24,747
21,157
35,647
94,837
6,134
74,274
10,145
47,170
20,378
217,806
159,781
36,337
176,612
14,028
21,837
42,367
31,007
5,352
123,212
Source: New Mexico County Population Projections July 1, 2005 to July 1, 2035, Bureau
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of Business and Economic Research, University of New Mexico. Released August 2008.
Who are District IV’s Regional Partners?
The regional partners are representatives from Public, Private and Governmental sectors of District IV’s communities.
Together, these individuals participate in ongoing and continuous economic planning process that is both diverse and
broad-based in nature. Each representative provides insight into the local initiatives of each community. Also the
governmental partners share relevant material from other governing bodies that support and direct the regional planning
process. By supporting and working directly with economic development organizations throughout the District, the
EPCOG is able to further leverage its Comprehensive Economic Planning and Development Program. An Economic
Regional Approach built on collaborative partnerships and public and private ventures have proven successful.
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Clovis Industrial Development Corporation
www.developclovis.com
Roosevelt County/Portales Community Development Corporation http://goportales.com
Clovis Community College Small Business Development Center www.nmsbdc.org/clovis
Mesalands Community College www.mesalands.edu
Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce www.clovisnm.org
Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation www.tucumcari.biz
Clayton/Union County Chamber of Commerce www.claytonnewmexico.org
Fort Sumner / De Baca County Chamber of Commerce www.ftsumnerchamber.com
Roosevelt County / Portales Chamber of Commerce www.portales.com
Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce www.santarosanm.org
Tucumcari / Quay County Chamber of Commerce www.tucumcarinm.com
Eastern New Mexico University www.enmu.edu
Union County Community Development Corporation www.eatmorebeef.net
Harding County Community Economic Development www.hardingcounty.org
What are the Economic Generators and How Have They Been Impacted in the Last Five Years?
There are eight primary economic generators within the district. These generators include: Agriculture, Agricultural
Valued Added Products, Health, Military Installation, Telecommunications, Transportation, Tourism / Hospitality and
Renewable Energy.
Agriculture
Agricultural businesses once again proved to be one of the strongest economic sectors in the district. Please refer to the
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USDA web site for detailed information on agriculture statistics
www.agcensus.usda.gov
Livestock
Within the district there are four sizeable livestock auctions that bring sales and revenue to all parts of the region. The
auctions include: Five States Livestock Auction - Clayton, Superior Livestock and Video Auction - Clayton, Clovis
Livestock Auction, and the Portales Livestock Inc. Together, there are sixteen feedlots that service the auctions, with a
total capacity of 143,850 head of cattle and 1,800 sheep at one time. De Baca, Harding and Quay counties show
decreased livestock numbers from 2004 to 2005. The counties of Roosevelt and Union remained the same while Curry
and Guadalupe increased slightly in number.
Dairy Industry
New Mexico’s dairy industry continues to grow with cash receipts from milk exceeding $1.6 billion dollars in 2011.
Dairy cattle numbers average 318,000 for 2011. New Mexico is currently ranked 7th in the nation for milk production
and 8th in the nation for cheese production. The dairy industry is the largest agricultural industry in the state. For the
sixth straight year, milk has been ranked New Mexico’s number one cash commodity.
According to local dairymen, milk prices in Roosevelt and Curry County are some of the most attractive in the country
for processors. Also, it is important to note, milk produced in both counties is higher in protein than in other parts of
New Mexico and Texas which enables the local milk to produce a higher yield of cheese per pound of milk. Additional
beneficiaries of New Mexico dairies are other farmers, equipment manufacturers, and professions such as veterinarians.
Employment opportunities are also created in the trucking industry as milk is moved from dairy to processing plants and
supplies are transported to the dairies.
The dairy industry is one of the largest consumers of New Mexico-grown crops. Dairies purchase alfalfa and
other hay crops, corn silage, grains and waste products generated from the food processing industry. Importance
of the New Mexico Dairy Industry
(Updated November 2011)
Overall Total Dairy Production Economic Impact (2009
numbers)
Overall Total Dairy Processing Economic Impact (2009
numbers)
Direct Economic Impact to the New Mexico Economy
$1.6 billion
$2.8 billion
$1.0 billion
Dairy-Percentage of NM Gross Receipts (Jul '10-June '11) 3.9%
Ag-Percentage of NM Gross Receipts (Jul '10-June '11)
Dairy receipts as a % of NM total Farm Receipts (2009)
Total Employment Generation in New Mexico (from dairy
production)
9.9%
35%
10th in New Mexico
8,263 jobs
$335 million paid in salaries
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Direct Employment Generation in New Mexico (from dairy
production)
Total Employment Generation in New Mexico (from dairy
processing)
Direct Employment Generation in New Mexico (from dairy
processing)
Overall Employment Generation in the Southwest from
dairy (TX, NM, AZ, OK)
Number of Cows per Dairy
Contribution to National Milk Production
Contribution to Southwest Milk Production (incl. CA)
Growth in the past year (2009-2010)
3,325 jobs
$142 million paid in salaries
9,427 jobs
$425 million paid in salaries
1,357
$74 million paid in salaries
57,482 jobs
$3.0 bilion paid in salaries
2,293
4.1%
12.5%
-.3%
1st in the USA
9th in the USA
3rd in the Southwest
Number of Milking Cows (2011)
318,000 head
Milk Produced
Milk Productivity
Number of Dairy Operations in NM
7.9 billion lbs
24,551 lbs
158 Dairy Farms
Produce 2/3 of NM
Milk
Top 3 counties in NM (Chaves, Curry & Roosevelt)
34th in the USA, down 6.5%
from 05/06
up 12.4% from 05/06
1th in the USA
Down 14 from 05/06
Major Crops
The major crops for the region are wheat, sorghum, corn, peanuts, cotton, and potatoes. The region produces 31% of the
states’ potatoes, 70% of the peanuts, 80% of the corn, 80% of the sorghum, 25% of the cotton and 16% of the wheat. The
region comprises 86% of the states’ dry land farms and 35% of the irrigated farms.
2. Agricultural Value Added Products
There are several examples of agricultural value added products in the District IV. Sunland Incorporated in Portales is
the nation’s largest producer and exporter of Valencia Peanuts and Certified Organic Peanut Products. Another value
added product producer is the Glanbia Southwest Cheese plant. Together with the abundance of high-quality milk from
surrounding dairies, the infrastructure to transport the product and the availability of qualified workers, in 2004 Curry
County was selected for the Southwest Cheese Plant. Due to the initial success of the cheese plant it underwent a $100
million dollar expansion which has doubled production. The expansion was completed 2010 and employ an additional
workforce. Another successful value added product is the Mesa Ingredient Corporation. The corporation is a direct
spin-off industry from the waste products that are produced by Southwest Cheese. Mesa Ingredients uses the whey
product received from Southwest Cheese to produce a high protein ingredient for animal feed. Together, these two
companies complement the economic base of the region and they expand upon the existing industries in the area.
3. Health
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Healthcare is a major employer and economic generator for the district. There are healthcare hubs that provide the
majority of services to the region. These hubs include the City of Clayton, City of Clovis, City of Portales, City of Santa
Rosa and the City of Tucumcari. Each of these healthcare centers have a varying degree of acute care services and outpatient services that can be delivered to other rural areas that do not have health care available. The City of Clovis
Presbyterian hospital also has a cancer treatment unit. There is additional health care information within each county and
municipality sections of this document.
4. Military Installation-Cannon Air Force Base
Cannon Air Force Base, located 6 miles west of the City of Clovis and was home for the 27th Fighter Wing with a
combat-ready unit consisting F-16 aircraft. The primary mission for the fighter wing was to maintain an F-16 Falcon
fighter wing capable of day and night combat operations for war fighting commanders, world wide at any time.
In May 2005, the Department of Defense announced the proposed closure of the military installation. The announcement
produced a sudden economic impact on Clovis /Portales Microplex and District IV. Many construction projects were
suspended, and a hot real estate market went cold over night. But the response to the Base Realignment and Closure
(BRAC) ignited tremendous public and private involvement in “Operation Keep Cannon”. This outpouring of support
and public participation involved: a congressional delegation, the governor, and local leaders to oppose the base closure
and to acknowledge the true military value of Cannon Air Force Base. As a result of this collaboration, the Base
Realignment and Closure Commission proposed decommissioning the 27th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cannon as planned,
but encouraged the Department of Defense to consider Cannon for a new mission by 2010.
A new mission was awarded to Cannon Air Force Base. It is currently home for the Air Force Special Operations
Command (AFSOC) and the transition from a fighter wing base to a special operations base is complete. The Fighting
Falcons (F-16s) will be replaced by approximately 108 various aircraft. This change of mission will bring in an
approximate increase of military personnel by 2010 with the total military personnel number projected to surpass 5000
active duty military with additional civilian personnel to increase. The Cannon Air Force Base active duty military
personnel projections for 2010 were at 5,439. That number is expected to continue to increase due to the Special
Operations concept of the military is a priority.
27TH SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING
Mission
14
The 27th Special Operations Wing (27 SOW) at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., is one of two Air Force active duty
Special Operations wings within Air Force Special Operations Command.
The primary mission of the 27th Special Operations Wing is to plan and execute specialized and contingency operations
using advanced aircraft, tactics, and air refueling techniques to infiltrate, exfiltrate, and resupply special operations
forces and provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and close air support in support of special operations
forces. The wing's core missions include close air support, agile combat support, information operations, personnel
recovery operations, precision aerospace firepower, forward presence and engagement, intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance (ISR) operations, and specialized aerospace mobility.
The 27 SOW is a pivotal component of AFSOC's ability to provide and conduct special operations missions ranging
from precision application of firepower to infiltration, exfilitration, resupply and refueling of special operations forces.
In addition, the 27 SOW brings distinctive intelligence capabilities to the fight, including ISR, predictive analysis, and
targeting expertise to joint special operations forces and combat search and rescue operations.
Organization
As of Sept. 1, 2011, Cannon AFB employs around 4,200 military and 700 civilian personnel. The wing is divided into
four groups:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Total Cannon Air Force Base Impact
Expenditure Summary
Personnel by Category
Totsal Operations & Maintenance
Cannon Air Force Base Economic Impact
15
5. Telecommunications
Plateau Telecommunication, Century Link formerly (Qwest) and SuddenLink Communication continue to compete for
the market on Clovis and surrounding areas. Plateau have placed fiber-optic lines through Clovis business corridors.
Plateau is competing with CenturyLink formerly QWest by offering voice and data services on its new fiber-optic
network. Currently, CenturyLink (Qwest) can offer customers in Clovis a phone line and another internet provider,
Sudden Link Communication offers bundled internet, cable and business voice services.
Plateau is a cooperative phone company established in 1949 which provides phone service throughout most of the
region. In 1982, the company created Plateau Telecommunications which now provides fiber optic cable to the area.
Today, Plateau currently serves twelve high schools in five of the counties with Interactive Television System (ITV).
This system allows high school students the opportunity to earn high school and college credits at the same time. Adult
evening classes are offered in these communities as well. Tele-medicine is another major component in
telecommunication as the technology assists rural hospitals and physicians via the ITV system.
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6. Transportation
Roads and Major Arterials
The District’s highway transportation network includes U.S. Highways 54, 60, 70, 84, and 285 which provide major
links to Interstate 40 and Interstate 25. Both 285 and 70 have been upgraded to four lane highways for the purpose of 1)
Providing safer transportation of radioactive waste to the storage facility in Carlsbad and 2) Providing faster and safer
highways from and to the new Santa Teresa International Port on the Mexican border.
Major segments of highways throughout the District are undergoing reconstruction as part of the GRIP program.
Governor Richardson’s Investment Partnership (GRIP) is a $1.6 billion statewide transportation expansion and
infrastructure improvement project approved by the New Mexico Legislature in 2003. In 2006 and 2007, the NM State
Legislature approved $102 Million for local roads and streets throughout the state as part of the GRIP II Program.
The Ports to Plains Program is an initiative based upon providing a trade corridor for goods and services to flow from the
Gulf port areas to the interior of the US. An area affected by this program is in Union County and is the US 64-87 Route
from approximately Clayton to Raton (Interstate 25). The Goal is to upgrade US 64-87 from two-lane to four-lane to
provide an improved corridor for trucks to move goods from the Texas Panhandle north to Denver. This widening
project is ongoing with several phases currently under construction. GRIP II funding is being used to fund the current
projects.
EPCOG currently has a transportation planner that works closely in partnership with the Southeastern Regional Planning
Organization known as (SERPO) and the Northeastern Regional Planning Organization also known as (NERPO)
EPCOG has a seat at the table along with the New Mexico Department of Tranportation (NMDOT). The purpose of the
organization is to plan and evaluate and make recommendations to New Mexico’s highways and by-ways within
EPCOG’s region.
The mission of the New Mexico Department of Transportation is to plan, build, and maintain a quality state-wide
transportation network which will serve the social and economic interests of our citizens in a productive, cost-effective
and innovative manner.
In keeping with our new name, the New Mexico Department of Transportation has re-focused its direction to
improving affordable transportation modes available to citizens, tourists, and businesses of New Mexico
Railroad
17
The railroad has had a major impact on the area. Homesteaders came into Eastern New Mexico with the railroad and
established small farming communities. The railroad allowed the cattle industry to adapt to the limitations of the Eastern
Plains and remain as a major industry. Many of the communities in the seven county areas began as railroad settlements.
Of the four major communities today, Portales, Clovis, and Tucumcari all began as railroad camps and owe much of
their growth to the railroad industry. The railroad was the main business until 1935, when the stockyards and feedlots
were established. From there, the economy diversified and agriculture became a mainstay.
Railway service continues to be a significant economic asset for the region. The Burlington Northern & Santa Fe
Railroad intersects with Southern Pacific & Union Pacific Railroads in the Village of Vaughn, which provides our region
with the benefit of having rail service available for north-south or east-west destinations. No passenger service is
available but freight service is available in every county except Harding. Currently, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe
railroad began the expansion of its railroad yard in Clovis in Curry County in 2003 and added at least 80 jobs to the
economy.
The Rail Road service in this area of Eastern New Mexico is the Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Rail Road. The main
East and West Route runs parallel to the route through Curry De Baca and Roosevelt Counties of the US 60-84 Highway
from the NM – TX State Line to Fort Sumner. Then the railroad parallels US 60 from Fort Sumner to the west of De
Baca County. The main route North and South through the area is also used by the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe
Rail Road. This route runs parallel to US 70 from Clovis and through Roosevelt County and on to Roswell. The actual
direction is SW – NE in Curry and Roosevelt Counties.
The BNSF (Burlington Northern & Santa Fe) operations office reports a current average of 90 trains in a 24 hour period
running on the East and West Route. This route mainly hauls coal, commodities, merchandise, bulk shipments, and
general merchandise. The freight tonnage was hard to estimate due to an always fluctuating market. The BNSF
operations office reports a current average of 3 trains per week running on the North and South Route from Clovis to
Roswell. This route also hauls mostly merchandise and commodities. The freight tonnage hauled was hard to estimate
due to the rapidly changing market. Due to increasing gasoline and diesel prices, the BNSF operations office estimates
and increased use of the rail services instead of trucking in the next 20 years. The exact cost per ton is not available due
to there being many products and price variations that are constant. But it is estimated that the rail can provide more cost
effective shipping due to their large capacity to haul bulk shipments.
7. Tourism
Tourism and the hospitality industry is becoming a significant economic generator. As communities recognize and
embrace their unique historical past and the beautiful landscape of the area, they are beginning to aggressively market
these attributes. Therefore, in each county section, the tourist industry will be explored in-depth.
How has the District’s Economic Indicators Changed?
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Regional Population
In 2011, the region had an estimated population of 89,216. The district is rural in nature with Curry County being the
largest populated county at an estimated population 48,376 and Roosevelt County with 19,846, together they represent
75% of the district’s population. Curry and Roosevelt Counties have increased the most in population. Union and
Harding have felt the biggest population decline in the region. New Mexico as a whole is ranked 12th in the nation for
increased population growth at 20.06%. The region has an estimated population of 89,216 and a population density
ranging from 0.5 persons per square mile in Harding to approximately 32 persons per square mile in Curry County. The
average population density is less than 4.5 persons per square mile. Sixty-eight percent of the region’s population reside
in the four municipalities and one military installation consisting of Clovis and Cannon Air Force Base in Curry County.
Tucumcari in Quay County, Portales, in Roosevelt County and Clayton in Union County. The remaining 32 percent
classified as rural, reside in 18 non-urban incorporated and several unincorporated communities and on the farms and
ranches of the area.
Curry and Roosevelt Counties have increased the most in population. Union and Harding have felt the biggest population
decline in the region. New Mexico as a whole is ranked 12th in the nation for increased population growth at 20.06%
Gross Receipt Tax
Generally speaking, sales and leases of goods and other tangible property are taxable. All non-food items, hot foods,
restaurant food, vitamins, minerals, over the counter medicines, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and pet foods are taxable.
Also, unlike in many other states, sales and performances of services are taxable in New Mexico. The gross receipts tax
rate varies throughout the region from 5.000% to 7.8125% the total rate is a combination of the rates imposed by the
state, the counties, and the municipalities.
General Obligation Bonding Capacity
As statistical data indicates, the region has a total bonding capacity of $ 881,688 as of June 30, 2005. State law
maximum bonding capacity for general purpose obligation bonds is limited to 4% of the net taxable value.
Under What Circumstances have Joint Business Ventures Proved Successful?
District IV has had a steady economic increase over the past years. As a region, there has been numerous economic
achievements that have had a significant positive impact on the current economy. The total revenue generated in the
region is in direct relationship to the number of successful partnerships and business ventures that have occurred in the
past 5 years.
Clovis / Portales Microplex
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The first example of a successful business venture is the collaborative effort between Curry County, the City of Clovis,
Cannon Air Force Base, the City of Portales and Roosevelt County. This collaborative partnership resulted in the
designation of the Clovis / Portales “Microplex”. This designation defines a new statistical area, the “Clovis-Portales
Micropolitan Combined Statical Area”. This new statistical designation was announced in 2003 by the United States
Office of Management and Budget. The recognition of this area as a combined Microplex allows each community to be
identified as a trade center with populations greater than 50,000 residents.
The designation illustrates the many interconnections of the region and the strong economic base that is present, when a
more global and regional approach is implemented. Many observed that after the Microplex designation the retail and
hospitality industry quickly stimulated the opening of businesses such as Lowes, Hobby Lobby, Chili’s Restaurant,
Hastings Bookstore, Hibbet Sports, International House of Pancakes, Big Lot’s, La Quinta Inn, and many other retail and
hospitality businesses. Portales continues to expand as one of the most productive and fastest growing food and dairy
processing and exporting centers in the nation, and Eastern New Mexico University in Portales is now the third largest
state university, with 4,200 full time students. Major businesses expanding in Portales since 2003 include Ashley’s
Furniture Center, DairiConcepts, New Mexico Machinery Inc., Sunland Peanuts, and Western Dairy Transport. Portales
is a strong retail center for “big ticket” purchases such as autos, furniture, appliances, and agricultural and ranch
equipment and supplies. Segments such as food and accommodations, clothing and accessories are being courted as
strong opportunities exist in Portales to expand supply in these areas to meet growing demand. Food service is projected
to be one of the fastest-growing segments of the Portales retail economy through 2015 (EMSI).
Also, the Microplex designation helped to stimulate a significant upward growth in real estate spending in Clovis
parallels a boom nationwide. The U.S. Department of Commerce recently released figures showing money spent on
construction in July reached $997.2 billion nationwide, an increase of .4 percent over June and an all-time high for
construction spending. About $537.4 billion of that was spent on private residential construction, the release showed.
This constitutes a 14 percent jump in residential construction over July 2004.
Business Creation
Southwest Cheese Company
A prime example of a regional approach to economic development is Glanbia Southwest Cheese plant. The plant is at
full production and it being the largest cheddar cheese plant in North America. The $200 million facility is 300,000 sq.
ft. and is located on a 3,000 acre site. Glanbia is teaming with the Dairy Farmers of America and Select Milk Producers,
Glanbia is together the expected revenue to be to generate is $192 million. The Curry County facility will receive 10.5
million pounds of milk a day, turning it into 640 pound and 40 pound cheese blocks, as well as whey-protein products.
Annually, the plant will turn out more than 330 million pounds of cheese and 22 million pounds of whey-protein
products, generating a projected $340 million in sales. SWC has 300 permanent jobs to the Clovis/Portales Microplex,
with a projected $450 million in annual sales to the area. Also, the average annual salary for a plant employee is
estimated to be $29,000 with a total of $5.7 million local tax dollars generated by the plant. Construction on the plant has
been completed and the plant opened for production in October 2005. The plant also went under a $100 million dollar
expansion in 2009 and 2010. Southwest Cheese currently employs 300 employees adding a significant impact to the
economy.
Portales Business Development Center
In 2003, the City of Portales utilized $800,000 for the Portales Business Development Center project which combined
workforce training and economic development. This collaborative business effort included: the Portales Economic
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Development Corporation, Portales/Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce, the Eastern Area Workforce Development
Board’s One-Stop Career Center, and the outreach / training efforts of Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell. This
project provides an excellent training facility in the county, in which it serves through the education and training of local
and area businesses. It also represents a major breakthrough in connecting economic development efforts with vital
workforce training programs and area partnerships.
Metal Fabrication Plant – (Construction Facility) Harding County
In November 2005, ground-breaking for the facility was held for Solano Manufacturing, which eventually employed 12
employees. The ground-breaking was attended by representatives of local, state, and federal agencies, many of whom
had provided funding and/or technical assistance. Local support continues as the high schools welding programs
prepares student for future employment in metal fabrication. With approximately twelve new jobs being created in
Harding County, this has constituted a 3% increase in the number of employed persons in the county, a significant
economic impact. The manufacturing facility has since been leased as a construction business with about (7) employees.
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility, Santa Rosa
The Guadalupe County Correctional Facility (GCCF) is a 191,400 square-foot private prison located on 440 acres. It is
located two miles southwest of Santa Rosa, New Mexico off State Highway 54. The Level III-/ Level IV-designated
facility is owned by Correctional Properties Trust and operated by The GEO Group, Inc. Construction on the facility
began in 1997, and the facility received its first inmates in January 1999. It employs about 200 employees.
Bosque Redondo Memorial
A site of historic significance is the Bosque Redondo Memorial and Museum, the site of the Indian reservation
established in 1851. This memorial is dedicated to the Navajo and Mescalero Apaches who were forced to endure
extreme hardships in the 1860s on the reservation surrounding the fort. Due to public and private support, a new
memorial and exhibition hall to commemorate the Native American people who were interned at Bosque Redondo is
under construction by New Mexico State Monuments. This project is in association with the Museum of New Mexico
and the Fort Sumner State Monument.
Correctional Facility Union County
The City of Clayton and Union County were selected as a site for the construction of a correctional facility to be built in
Clayton. This facility will serve as a major economic stimulus for the city/county and surrounding area. The
construction of the 600 Bed Facility is complete. The Correction Facility will impact Clayton and Union County
economically and physically. The amount of estimated full time jobs this will create in the community is 225. The Town
of Clayton supported an Industrial Revenue Bond for the project. The facility is being operated by GEO, Inc a private
company who has agreements with the State of New Mexico to house New Mexico State inmates.
Clovis Industrial Park
A 240 acre industrial park offers a variety of lot sizes for development. A multi- million dollar bio-diesel producing plant
was constructed at the Clovis Industrial Park in September of 2008. Other industries such as Quality Feeds has located
at the Clovis Industrial Park. The park offers rail service that is available. Clovis Industrial Development Corporation
(CIDC) is capable of meeting building needs in the existing industrial development park or by purchasing other sites to
meet your needs.
Business Retention, Expansion
This section focuses on areas of economic developments that are established within the region and are beginning to
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experience a continuous growth or are beginning the primarily stages of expansion in District IV.
New Mexico Main Street Programs
The cities of Clayton, Clovis, Portales, Santa Rosa, and Tucumcari are currently involved in the revitalization and
restoration of their downtowns. Each community has begun to recognize the economic and cultural potential that lies
within their downtowns. Therefore, business retention and expansion is a vital component to the Main street program.
What are the Current Economic Projections for District IV?
EPCOG ‘s current projects and programs as they relate to these initiatives and future strategic goals are:
Conservation of Natural Resources
Water and Wastewater
The majority of the municipalities have water and wastewater systems. Almost every water supply and/or wastewater
treatment system has been rehabilitated and expanded either in terms of capacity or service area coverage within the past
ten years. Also, many of the smaller communities in the region are continuing to expand or upgrade their public water
systems and, in some cases, wastewater systems
Water
Water is a vital natural resource for this region due to irrigation of farmlands, the dairy industry, and the increasing need
for public supply. Surface water is supplied by the Pecos, Canadian, Dry Cimarron Rivers, and the Tramperos Creek.
Groundwater is provided by a series of inter-related water supplies. These sources include: the High Plains Aquifer with
the Ogallala as the principle water-bearing unit, the Entrada Aquifer, the Pecos River Valley, Capulin area, Dry
Cimarron River Valley and localized area in Quay and Harding Counties. Currently, due to the persistent drought
conditions in the high plains, groundwater is at critically low and unsustainable levels. The issue of water availability
and quality continues to be a pressing concern, as to the impact it will have on the region’s future.
Ute Pipeline Project
On August 11, 2011 members of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Authority along with U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman
broke ground of the Ute Lake pipeline in-take structure. The Ute pipeline project is being planned due to the District’s
water vulnerability, which led to many years of planning of the Ute Pipeline Project. This project will bring water from
the Ute Reservoir in Quay County to communities in Curry and Roosevelt Counties. Regional Water plans are in the
process of being developed for the district which emphasizes conservation, recycling and reuse of water supplies that are
intended to preserve and protect water as a limited resource.
There has been an update to the Ute Lake Pipeline Project. In Washington DC — The House Natural Resources
Committee unanimously passed legislation Thursday June 12, 2008 that would authorize the federal government to build
a pipeline that will carry water to several communities in Curry, Roosevelt and Quay counties, according to a news
release. The bill, which now heads to the full House, would authorize the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to spend up to
$495 million over a 10-year period to assist the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Authority. The water will come from
the Ute Reservoir, which was built on the Canadian River in 1959 as a sustainable water supply for eastern New Mexico.
The U.S. Senate is also scheduled to vote on a similar bill. If the legislation passes, the federal government would pay
for 75 percent of the cost of the project. The state will pay 25 percent of the $432 project and the local governments will
pay 15 percent.
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Renewable Energy Resources
EPCOG has received a grant from the NM Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department’s Clean Energy
Program to develop New Mexico’s first user owned wind turbine. As part of this project, EPCOG is working with other
organizations to develop plans for future community wind projects in collaboration with local governments, colleges,
and local schools.
Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari is developing the Mesalands Wind Center Project and all programs
associated with it. The wind center is a hands-on learning facility to train students and workers from Quay County and
around the country how to operate a wind farm.
The lack of a transmission line to major population centers for renewable energy has been a concern to
proponents of the program. New Mexico has created the Renewable Energy Transmission Authority (RETA)
as an initiative to achieve a solution for this concern.
Xcel Energy also wants to increase the amount of wind-generated electricity they provide in Texas, New Mexico,
Oklahoma and Kansas more than five times by the end of 2009 because of tax credit support. They plan to increase the
amount of wind energy they supply in the region from 85 megawatts to 445 megawatts, enough to serve the average
annual needs of 150,000 homes. Xcel Energy is the second-largest provider of retail wind energy in the United States.
Cielo Land and Cattle Company developed a wind power generating facility on 1,840acres of state trust land southeast
of Tucumcari in Quay County. The proposed facility is expected to contain 80 wind turbines, eight of which will be
located on trust land and is projected to produce 80 megawatts of power.
FPL Energy constructed a 204 megawatt farm near the town of House, 20 miles northeast of Fort Sumner that consists of
136 turbines, each of which will have a peak output of 1.5 megawatts, on 1,160 acres of trust land. Foresight Energy
Company has proposed a wind farm in Harding and Union County’s. PNM will purchase the output from this farm for
distribution to its customers. It is estimated that the facility will provide $40 million in economic benefit to the area over
25 years, and will provide the power equivalent to that consumed by 94,000 average homes annually.
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Tres Amigas will:
• Connect the three U.S. synchronous power grids through a DC Hub that can regulate the direction and level of
power flows between the grids, thereby improving the efficiency of the transmission systems in all regions
• Provide economic incentives to further drive the growth of the nation’s transmission grid by expanding
opportunities for efficient transactions across currently inaccessible market regions
• Optimize the value of existing AC infrastructure by utilizing state of the art technology
• Provide reliable and cost effective transmission services consistent with NERC standards and regional reliability
requirements.
A National Approach:
•
•
•
•
•
Enable the buying, selling and physical delivery of electricity between participants in multiple grids
Optimize the performance of renewable energy sources by offering or creating options to firm intermittent
power across a broad geographic area
Promote the development of renewable energy projects by creating an opportunity for such projects to connect to
multiple high demand load areas
Enable renewable energy to follow hourly demand fluctuations throughout a large portion of North America
Integrate large scale renewable resources by providing the capability to manage real-time power fluctuations that
would otherwise exceed the capability of many existing balancing authorities.
Workforce
As a result of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) passed in 1998, the Governor divided the state into four local
workforce regions. WIA Region III, the Eastern Area Workforce was established by joining the seven counties in
Planning District IV with five additional counties, they are Chaves, Eddy, Lea, Lincoln and Otero. The goal of WIA is to
ensure that Americans have the training required to qualify for jobs that are in demand in the local area and to
successfully manage their careers. Funding to the Eastern Area Workforce Development Board in 2007-8, totalled
$2,160,143. These funds were used to provide employment/training services to adults, dislocated workers and
disadvantaged low-income youths.
National Emergency Grant (NEG) Funds were provided to areas impacted by the decisions of the 2005 Defense Base
Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission. The NEG funds were given to assist states in early community planning
for dislocated workers and their spouses affected by BRAC’s initial decision to close Cannon Air Force Base.
Affordable Housing
Two programs are vital aspects of the Housing Initiatives provided through the EPCOG. These programs include:
Rental Property Development: EPCOG owns three apartment complexes in the cities of Portales, Santa Rosa and San
Jon. EPCOG also owns three single-family homes, two of the homes are in Santa Rosa one home is in Roy. All of these
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apartment complexes are made available to low-income families, elderly, handicapped or disabled individuals.
Tenant Based Rental Assistance: The Tenant Based Rental Assistance receives funds from the New Mexico Mortgage
Finance Authority. These funds are used to provide emergency assistance for homeless families/individuals for three
months. The assistance includes: immediate rental assistance, case management, transportation, child care, and follow-up
services once they are on the Continuum of Care program or placed in permanent housing. In 2007, the program assisted
over 100 homeless families/individuals.
Transportation
The EPCOG provides technical assistance with transportation related issues for two Regional Planning Organizations
(RPO). These RPO’s include the South Eastern Regional Planning Organization (SERPO) and the North Eastern
Regional Planning Organization (NERPO). The North Eastern RPO covers Quay, Harding, Guadalupe, and Union
Counties of EPCOG’s service area. The South Eastern RPO covers De Baca, Roosevelt, and Curry Counties of
EPCOG’s service area. EPCOG currently has two Transportation Planners for coverage in each area. The
Transportation Programs covered include Roadway improvements, Public Transit, Rail Safety, and Airport
Infrastructure. The Planners work with NMDOT Liaisons in NMDOT Districts Two and Four. The RPO’s are
composed of local government representatives from the EPCOG area. The area contains mostly rural roads with three
large Interstate Highways. RPO applications for State and Federal funds can be used for Airport and Rail as well.
Economic Development
The EPCOG serves as to assist local governments in local initiatives. Members of the EPCOG are provided technical
assistance with Community Development Block Grant applications, the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan, the
Rural Community Development Initiative and many other potential economic funding streams that are available to local
governments. We also provide site assessment assistance to companies looking to locate their companies to the area. We
also assist the various economic development organizations within the region on site visit planning.
SWOT Analysis for District IV
Strengths:








Abundance of Land
Natural Resources, such as Wind for Alternative Energy
Continued Commitment to Workforce Training and Education
A Steady Increase in Gross Receipts Taxes
A Decrease in Unemployment Rates
Strong Agricultural Base
A Diverse Economy
Tourism Attractions
Weakness:






Population shift, out migration of residents in rural areas to urban centers
Generally low-moderate income levels
A steady decline in ranching & farming
Limited healthcare facilities in rural areas
Lack of right of way or identified easement for transmission of renewable energy
Water wells not pumping enough water
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Opportunities:






Increase in value-added agricultural products and projects
Utilize the availability of alternative wind energy
Improve on infrastructure
Increase the number of communities involved in the N. M. Main Street program
Continued growth in high-technology industries
Continue to create diversified economic opportunities
Threats:





Limited surface water levels
Transportation and arterial infrastructure needing major improvements
Need for additional affordable housing units
Rising fuel costs effects on higher travel rates required in rural areas
Drying up of State and Federal financial resources
Strategic Regional Performance Measures and Associated Goals
 Business patterns - improve the business environment
 Agricultural value - added products - improve and fully develop agricultural resources
 Water - effective utilization of district’s water resources
 Renewable energy resources -support alternative energy resources
 Workforce - increase employment opportunities through new business/industrial development
 Education - develop, improve and expand the capabilities of educational services
 Infrastructure -develop, maintain, and improve community facilities
 Healthcare - assist to develop a comprehensive physical /mental health program
 Tourism - greater development of tourism and recreation throughout the district
 Transportation - improve the district’s transportation system
 Housing - improve the quality of the existing housing stock and to provide additional
low-moderate housing.
Basic Information
2010 Industry Jobs
2013 Industry Jobs
Total Change
Total % Change
2010 Average Earnings per Worker
23,444
24,940
1,496
6.38%
$42,574
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Section III: Curry County
Geography and Climate
Curry County is located directly in the middle of the state on the north-south axis and is adjacent to Texas on the extreme
east side of the state. Curry County sits atop a large, mostly flat, mesa at an elevation of 4,290 feet above sea level with
an average annual rainfall of 16” and snowfall of 9”. The temperatures vary between the upper 90s to below freezing.
Because of the area’s prevalent semi-arid climate, vast grasslands, and once abundant water, Curry County was an ideal
location for homesteaders that wanted to ranch or farm. Curry County, with 1,408 square miles, currently has six
population centers: Broadview/Grady, Clovis, Melrose, Texico, and Cannon Air Force Base with a total population of
44,533.
History
Curry County has a long history of human occupation, dating back to the ancient Paleo-Indian culture commonly known
as “Clovis Man”. Generally accepted by archeologists and anthropologists around the world as a benchmark for the
oldest culture to inhabit the New World, Clovis Man inhabited the region 11,000 years ago. The most famous sites of
Clovis Man are the Blackwater Draw Archaeological Site and Blackwater Draw Museum, both located several miles
south of Clovis. The site and museum draw tourists, students and scientists from around the world to the Clovis/ Curry
County area.
In the mid-1500s, the Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his band of Conquistadors trekked through
the area and named it the “Llano Estacado”, or “Staked Plains”, a reference to the many tall yucca plants that dotted the
horizon. Around 1700, the Comanche Indian Tribe lived and hunted in the area, feeding on vast herds of buffalo that
roamed the Great Plains. History records that the last members of the Comanche Tribe were captured in 1875, and Anglo
cattlemen and settlers began to populate the region.
Sheep and cattlemen settled in the area to take advantage of the vast open-range with its wild grass, belly-high to a horse,
and ample water from the few springs and playa lakes. Open-range grazing continued for the next seventy years as
shepherds and cattlemen witnessed the gradual decline of the formerly vast herds of bison. During this time Kiowa
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inhabited a vast region of the great southwest plains area including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and New Mexico. These
tribes fought among themselves and sometimes joined forces to fight the Spanish and later the settlers. They continued to
hunt on the open plains, as they had nomadic Native American tribes like the Comanche, Kwahadi Comanche, Apache,
and done for the previous several hundred years but eventually succumbed to the rifles of the soldiers and the white
man’s incursion. Most of these Native Americans were killed, taken prisoner, or forced onto reservations far from their
native lands.
Despite many hardships, the open-range remained a land dominated by cattlemen until the early1900s. The open-range
era began to wane with the settlement of homesteaders during the period 1901-1903. In Curry County, the open range
gradually receded with the advent of barbed-wire fences placed around homesteaders’ land. Farmers began planting
crops, towns were platted and in 1906 Santa Fe Railroad engineers were ordered to locate a town-site in the newly
developing ranch/farm land area of Eastern New Mexico. They chose Clovis and by 1908 Clovis had become a major
hub for the railroad. The expansion of the Santa Fe Railroad radically enhanced communications, cattle shipment, and
passenger service between the area and the outside world. It was this time of transition and rapid growth that led to the
formation of Curry County in February of 1909. Named after George Curry, Territorial Governor of New Mexico (19071910), Curry County was created from parts of Quay and Roosevelt Counties.
Farming and ranching have long been the economic base for the county and with these Later that year, the city of Clovis
became incorporated and was selected as the county seat. continued traditions is now widely known as the Cattle Capital
of the Southwest. With natural resources becoming more limited, ever changing market conditions, and an uncertain
economy, Curry County has now begun to diversify into other economic generators such as value-added products,
renewable/alternative energy, and light manufacturing.
Population Trends
According to the 2010 census, Curry County had a population of 48,376, Clovis then being documented as having an
estimated population of 37,775 whereas Texico had 1,073 inhabitants, Melrose 345, and Grady 98. Over the past decade,
Curry County has experienced a 8.2% population growth rate, and is ranked 24th with regard to New Mexico
comparative county population growth.
Growth Centers / Population Hubs
There are six population centers in Curry County: Clovis, Grady, Melrose, Texico, Broadview, and Cannon Air Force
Base. The communities of Grady, Melrose and Texico are active growth centers located on transportation corridors and
while all of our very rural small communities continually struggle with out-migration, they are maintaining relatively
stable populations. By contrast, the City of Clovis has been experiencing a steady increase in both economic and
population growth, evident from the increase in residential and commercial construction. Later in the CEDS, the
Clovis/Portales Microplex will be discussed as a unified trade/growth center. The overview of the Microplex will
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demonstrate how the area’s census designation has proven effective in facilitating enhanced economic development in
Curry, Roosevelt County, and the surrounding area. The expansion of Cannon Air Force Base with its new Special
Operations mission will also enhance the viability of the local economic infrastructure.
City of Clovis
www.cityofclovis.org
The City of Clovis has been the Curry County seat since 1909, and it continues to serve the county and surrounding areas
as a vital growth center. History tells of Clovis becoming a fast-growing railroad hub on an expanding rail network that
connects the middle of the country with the west coast. Today, the railroad, now known as the Burlington Northern Santa
Fe (BNSF) continues to be one of Clovis’ vital employers, a situation that may well improve as a result of the doubletracking of the mail line and the radical upsurge in rail-freight traffic. The city has a population of about 35,000 and is
strategically situated at the intersection of major east-west highways (US 60, 84, and 70), and with State Highway 209 to
the northwest. The 2010 Census indicated a population of 37,775 a 15.6% increase from the 2000 census.
Village of Broadview
The Village of Broadview is approximately 29 miles north of Clovis on State Highway 209. The name “Broadview”
came with the establishment of the post office in 1931. This farming and ranching community began with the arrival of
homesteaders to the plains. Today the community has experienced a significant decline in population but the village
continues to have an active church and post office/ store.
Village of Grady www.newmexico.org/explore/regions/southeast/grady.php
Grady is located at the intersection of State Highways 496 and 209 and is approximately 35 miles northwest of Clovis
and 18 miles west of the New Mexico/Texas border. Grady is another example of a rural community that has a strong
foundation built on a farming-and-ranching heritage. As the homesteaders settled on the eastern plains of New Mexico,
they began to establish communities between Clovis and Tucumcari. In 2000, the census recorded the Grady population
as 98 residents, and subsequently that population has been characterized by gradual out-migration. The 2010 Census has
the population of Grady at 107 residents, with 57 housing units.
Village of Melrose [email protected]
Settled in 1882, Melrose was built beside the Santa Fe (now BNSF) Railroad and served as a center of commerce and
services for local ranchers and farmers. The 2000 Census recorded the Melrose population as 736 residents. The 2010
census has a population of 651 residents. Today, the community serves the surrounding area through the delivery of food
services and the provision of other retail facilities. The town also contains construction and health- care enterprises.
However, the primary economic industry continues to be farming and ranching. In 2011 Melrose opened up the Melrose
Health Clinic to serve it’s citizens. Melrose has a high school and a elementary school. The village of Melrose has 1.7
square miles of land. The village continues to improve its infrastructure and waste-water system. In 2009 Melrose had a
population of 680 –7.6% since 2000. Melrose shows 377 housing units.
Town of Texico www.curry.nmgenweb.us/Texico.htm
The City of Texico was incorporated in 1908. Located approximately ten miles east of Clovis on the New Mexico-Texas
border on US Highway 60, it was originally a railroad town with a freight-and-passenger terminal.. Currently, this rural
community derives its main economic base from agriculture principally farming, ranching ,and the dairy industry. Texico
is the oldest town in Curry County it shares the border with Farwell, Texas. The 2010 census has Texico’s population at
1,130 with 430 housing units.
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Cannon Air Force Base
Home of the 27th Special Operations Wing (27th SOW), Cannon Air Force Base is located six miles west of Clovis and is
4,295 feet above sea level. The history of the base began in the 1920’s when a civilian passenger facility, Portair Field,
was established on the site. Since then Cannon has had a rich history of different missions. Cannon had been placed on
the Pentagon’s list for possible closure but managed to avoid being closed and was awarded a new mission, Special
Operations Wing. On October 1, 2007 Col Tim Leahy took command of the newly designated 27 th Special Operations
Wing. The final active-duty population at Cannon is expected to be between 5,500 to 6,000 active military by 2010.
While Cannon and the accompanying Melrose Bombing Range are major contributors to the economic base of Curry
County, local officials and economic developmental organizations are working aggressively with the private sector and
state economic developmental entities to promote continued development of alternative energy industries, food
processing, transportation, and the telecommunication sectors to further diversify the area’s economy.
Cannon Air Force Base expects to see 677 new homes by 2015 in a housing privatization project announced in
November. Those three- and four-bedroom homes, plus 361 renovated houses, are expected to have a major impact on
regional housing shortages for military personnel.
Education
The 2010 Census reported these educational statistics for Clovis 443 students graduated in the 2010-2011 school year.
Many students who wish to extend their education enroll in classes at Clovis Community College (CCC), which offers
associate degrees in 27 subjects, as well as high tech and vocational training. Clovis Community College courses are
designed to transition the student to four-year colleges and universities. The annual number of graduates comin gout od
CCC is 439 students. Wayland Baptist University campus in Clovis graduated 618 students with masters degree and 17
with bachelors out of the Clovis branch. Eastern New Mexico University in Portales continues its tradition with an
excellent educational institution.during the 2010-2011 year ENMU graduated 954 students with an associates degree,
583 with a bachelor’s degree and 142 with a masters degree.
Eastern New Mexico University is located in Portales, 20 miles south of Clovis, and offers bachelor and master degrees
in eighty programs. Many of the ENMU courses are available at both the CCC campus and the Cannon Air Force
Educational office through an interactive television program. Also, Wayland Baptist University has a Clovis branch for
continuing education with night and weekend classes available.
The following table from the 2010 Census reflects data for Curry County residents in regard to population and education.
Population in 2010
Projected Population in 2015
Projected Population in 2025
48,376
49,117
50,955
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Civilian Labor Force in 2010 (10
mile radius)
Total
Employed
in
2010
(Microplex) Clovis-Portales
Total Unemployed in 2009
Unemployment Rate Percentage in 2011
Average Wage Per Job in 2010
Per Capita Personal Income in 2010
High School Graduates in 2010-2011
Some College, No Degree Percentage in 2010
Associates Degree Percentage in 2010
Bachelors Degree Percentage in 2010
Graduate Degree Percentage in 2010
34,739
45,647
6.1%
4.6%
31,696
29,449
443
27.3
7.3%
11.1%
8.1%
Civic Participation and Organizations
Clovis is the largest municipality in Curry County, with approximately 70 churches, over 12 excellent hotels/motels, 3
RV parks, 3 museums and one library. The City has an extensive intramural sports program and 15 parks. Near by lakes
include Sumner Lake, Ute Lake Reservoir, and Conchas Lake. Area recreation includes boating, fishing, skiing, bowling,
roller skating, golfing, attending movies, visiting the local zoo, shooting at the archery range, playing miniature golf,
roping, playing softball, and participating in youth leagues. Curry County has a number of fraternal organizations
including Amvets Post 14, Elk’s Lodge No 1244, Fraternal Order of Eagles, VFW Post 3260, Knights of Columbus,
Masonic Lodge, Rotary, Lions, and the Mounted Patrol.
The community of Clovis also offers a new Civic Center. The center is a 29,000-square-foot facility located north of
Clovis Community College. The multipurpose center features two ballrooms, four meeting rooms and a fully equipped
modern kitchen with a full time four- star rated chef to accommodate any size event. A special events center designed
for indoor rodeos and concerts has recently been completed.
Economic Infrastructure
The diverse economic infrastructure of Curry County is based on agriculture, agricultural-valued-added products, light
manufacturing, military, healthcare, retail, and tourism. Economic diversification has directly resulted from an
aggressive strategic plan to recruit and retain businesses to the area. The first step in the strategic plan was the
development and implementation of the Local Economic Development Act. The combined governments of Clovis and
Curry County were one of the first local governments to implement the Local Economic Development Act in a joint
regional effort to recruit industry. The Economic Development Act allows the city and county to develop incentive
packages of land, buildings, or infrastructure for recruitment. The governments of Clovis and Curry County created a
non-profit organization, The Clovis Industrial Development Corporation to work with qualified businesses on an
individual basis to foster industrial business development. Local business owners have formed a collaborative
corporation to foster economic development
Economic and Industrial Development
Clovis has assisted in developing a diverse economic and industrial base that includes Cannon Air Force Base,
Southwest Cheese and call centers. Industrial Development is encouraged through the city of Clovis, Clovis Industrial
Development Corporation, the Eastern Plains Council of Governments and Clovis Community College. Clovis
MainStreet works to promote economic development in Clovis’ downtown area.
Over the years, Clovis has steadily developed a diverse economic base that includes Cannon Air Force Base, Clovis
Community College, and Clovis Industrial Development Corporation. Clovis has an extremely active and progressive
Chamber of Commerce, MainStreet program, and several economic development entities. Clovis was selected by the
New Mexico Economic Development Department’s first annual “Entrepreneur City of the Year” award in 2007. Clovis
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also is home to Clovis Community College which offers associate degrees in several disciplines and a variety of hightech/ vocational training.
Clovis/Portales Microplex
As a result of the collaborative efforts of Curry County, the City of Clovis, Cannon Air Force Base, the City of Portales,
and Roosevelt County, “Microplex” designation has been granted to the Cities of Clovis and Portales. This designation
identified a new statistical area: the “Clovis-Portales Micropolitan Combined Statistical Area.” This statistical
designation was first announced in 2003 by the United States Office of Management and Budget. This new census
designation served to emphasize the vital link between the City of Clovis and the City of Portales by identifying it as a
unified trade center. In current federal government economic development and marketing strategies, combined Microplex
status allows each communities that are recognized to be officially identified as a trade center as long as they have a
combined population greater than 50,000 residents.
The Clovis-Portales Microplex project continues to feature the active participation of The New Mexico Congressional
Delegation, The US Office of Management and Budget, The Census Bureau, Curry and Roosevelt Counties, The City of
Clovis, The City of Portales, The Eastern Plains Council of Governments, Clovis Community College, Eastern New
Mexico University, Portales Economic Development Corporation, Clovis Industrial Development Corporation,
Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce, and Portales Chamber of Commerce.
The Clovis-Portales Microplex has formed partnerships and alliances with local governments, schools, and business
leaders to improve the area workforce development/training and market potential.
Economic Generators
Seven economic generators have been identified in Curry County: agriculture, agricultural-value added products,
healthcare, light manufacturing, a military installation, retail outlets, and tourism.
Agriculture
In 1993, Congress created the Empowerment Program under the United States Department of Agriculture, which
allowed communities to submit an economic strategic plan to the department. From this group of communities,
deserving ones were selected for funding. The ultimate goal of the USDA program was to provide rural communities
greater employment opportunities by funding business ventures in rural areas. Three types of community designations
were awarded, they included: the Empowerment Zone (EZ), the Enterprise Community (EC), and the Champion
Community (CC). Each community submitted an economic strategic plan to the department and from this group of
communities deserving ones were selected for funding.
In 1994, the cities of Clovis and Portales together applied for the USDA, EZ/EC/CC designation and received the
distinguished award Champion Communities. The USDA awards Champion Community designation to communities
that have distinguished themselves through their hard work in developing and implementing economic strategic plans.
Such designation does not have the effect of providing USDA funds to the Champion Communities, but gives national
recognition to each Champion Community as a vital partner with the USDA. Also, as a result of the designation,
additional points are given to the Champion Community when applying for federal- and state-funded programs.
The 2006 New Mexico Agricultural Statistics report indicated that in 2002 Curry County had 677 farms totaling 916,320
acres. The cash receipts from all farm commodities for Curry County for the year 2006 was $402, 250,000. The cash
receipts for all livestock for 2006 for Curry County was $42,988,000. The cash receipts for 2006 for Curry County for
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cattle, calves and milk production was $179,029,000. Curry County is ranked 22nd in the United States for milk cows,
and 36th for cattle.
Dairy cattle top the list in income, followed by beef cattle. The area is home of approximately 60 dairies. Principle crops
are wheat, grain, sorghum and corn, vegetable crops and cotton. Curry County produces half of all the wheat produced in
the state of New Mexico.
Valued Added Products
Agriculture is one of the largest contributors to the local economy. Leaders credit the industry’s success to plentiful land,
fertile soil, and a mild climate. Agricultural value added products are a result of the primary agricultural products.
Examples are peanut butter from peanuts or cheese from milk.
Southwest Cheese Factory
An example of an agricultural value added product that is being marketed regionally is cheddar cheese produced at
Southwest Cheese plant, south of Clovis. The Curry County site was selected due to the abundance of high-quality milk
from surrounding dairies, the infrastructure to transport the product, and the availability of qualified able workers. Built
at a cost of $210 million the plant went into production in October of 2005 and ranks as North America’s largest cheddar
cheese production facility. Southwest Cheese is 50 percent owned by Ireland’s Glanbia PLC and 50 percent by a
conglomerate of dairy industries. Southwest Cheese produces 330 million pounds of cheese annually and makes 22
million pounds of whey protein concentrates per year. Southwest Cheese is a major contributor to the economic base of
Curry County presently employing over 330 people with total sales annually in excess of 450 million dollars. In 20092010 SWC went through a $100 million dollar expansion increasing daily milk processing from 7 million pounds to 10.5
million pounds. Currently the plant hasa daily production capacity of 1.1 million pounds of American-style cheese and
70,000 pound sof high value added whey protein powder.
Mesa Ingredient Corporation
The Mesa Ingredient Corporation is directly related the cheese industry. Their main operation is the processing of a
liquid by-product from cheese manufacturing. The liquid by-product is commonly known as whey, and it is converted
into a nutrient-rich powder used in animal feed. The Mesa project has created 30 additional high-paying jobs for the
area. Mesa Ingredient Corporation’s parent company, International Ingredient Corporation, is based in St. Louis. They
service major food and pet food manufactures, livestock, and poultry integrators in the United States. Also according the
company web site, Mesa will export to distributors in Latin America, Canada, Asia and Europe.
Healthcare
Healthcare for the region is provided by Plains Regional Medical Center and a new medical facility addition, the Surgery
Center of Eastern New Mexico. Both facilities serve a population of 110,000 within a 100-mile radius of Clovis. Plains
Regional provides general medical and surgical services, with specialized services in home health, hospice, CT scanning
and a 24-hour physician-staffed emergency room. The Surgery Center of Eastern New Mexico offers 2 operating rooms,
a GI lab, and 6 specialized surgeons. Women’s Medical Center provides excellent quality health care for women, which
includes obstetrical and gynecological services, 4D ultrasound and an array of cosmetic services.
Tourism
Clovis offers an attractive and well-stocked public library, a senior-citizen community/ resource center, a large modern
Civic Center, a wide array of dining and entertainment facilities, and a compliment of quality hotel-motels. Clovis not
only claims “Clovis Man” as a native son but we consider Clovis to be the home of rock and roll music. The great Buddy
Holly and The Crickets recorded their first records at the Norman Petty Studio in Clovis. Roy Orbison, Buddy Knox,
Waylon Jennings, Sonny West, Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs, among others, also recorded at Norman Petty Studios in
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the early 1950’s. The music that came out of the area is now known locally as “The Clovis Sound”. Visitors to the area
can be treated to a tour of the Norman Petty Museum located at the studio as well as the Museum of Rock and Roll
located at the Chamber of Commerce office building.
Clovis stands at the gateway to the Land of Enchantment and serves as a retail and service hub for a trade area of
approximately 110,000 people in Eastern New Mexico and West Texas. Community leaders are excited about the area’s
current growth and its potential for future development.
The Blackwater Draw Museum and Archaeological Site, which is located in Roosevelt County, exhibits examples of the
oldest culture in North America. The archeological site, also located in Roosevelt County, was first discovered in 1929
and continues to be an active “dig” area for archeologists. The museum is located 12 miles south of Clovis on Highway
70 was opened to the public in 1969. Both the Museum and archeological site are under the direction of Eastern New
Mexico University.
Today, the exhibits include the Clovis Point, Wooly Mammoth bones, bone weapons and tools that were discovered
during ground excavation. The Clovis Site is recognized as the oldest culture in North America and the “Clovis Point” is
the earliest arrow head or spear point in the hemisphere. This site is an example of the unified relationship between the
City of Clovis and Portales, both entities reap the economic benefits of this vital tourist destination.
Retail
Clovis is a retail and service hub that extends over a 100 mile radius and serves an estimated 150,000 people. The North
Plains Mall is located on North Prince and contains four major anchor stores and 38 additional retailers and services.
Recently, many nationally recognized retail chains have located to Clovis, just north of the North Plains Mall. Some of
the stores include Lowes Home Improvement Center, Hobby Lobby, Hastings Entertainment Center, Chili’s, and
International House of Pancakes. Another unique and quaint shopping experience is the historic downtown, which offers
a variety of art, gift, and antique shops to enjoy.
Employment and Wages by Industry
Clovis’ major employers are civilian personnel at Cannon Air Force Base with 900 employees, Plains Regional Medical
Center with 590 employees, followed by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad with 525 employees, Wal-Mart
Supercenter with 412 employees, the federal government with 368 employees, the City of Clovis with 372 employees,
Eastern New Mexico Rehabilitation Service with 300 employees, Southwest Cheese with 220 employees, and Allsups
with 200 employees.
Workforce
As a direct result of the BRAC decision and the significant economic impact that the decision has had on the region,
federal funding was granted to the Eastern Area Workforce Development Board. Four military installations affected by
BRAC are located in the Eastern New Mexico Area and the Eastern Area Workforce Board has assumed primary
responsibility for providing services to dislocated workers who are employed in the impacted facilities in the area. The
three military installations that were impacted in the Eastern Area include Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis and the
Melrose Bombing Range (2,500 military personnel: 385 civilians and 55 contract employees), White Sands Missile
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Range (17 military personnel and 165 civilians), and Holloman Air Force Base at Alamogordo (17 military personnel
and 0 civilians).
The National Emergency Grant (NEG) Funds were provided under the Federal National Workforce Investment Act of
1998. These funds are provided to areas impacted by the decisions of the 2005 Defense Base Realignment and Closure
(BRAC) Commission. The NEG funds are given to assist states in early community planning for dislocated workers and
their spouses affected by BRAC. The first funding phase addresses the need for local and regional planning to establish
an effective workforce response to BRAC. Through this aggressive outreach to dislocated workers and the development
of strategic partnerships, a solid Basic Readjustment Services package is developed. Phase two is the implementation of
the Basic Readjustment Workforce Plan. Due to the regional partnerships that have formed, the Clovis Community
College, New Mexico State University-Alamogordo and Eastern New Mexico-Roswell will provide training programs
for workers displaced from military related employment. The Eastern Plains Council of Governments played a
significant role in acquiring the grant and was the fiscal agent and administrator of the grant.
Another important workforce funding source that is administered through the Eastern Area Workforce Development
Board is the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The purpose of this program is to provide financial
assistance and job training for low-income families. Within TANF, the scope of service is a Food Stamp Program (FSP),
a Transportation Assistant Program to enable the client to go to and from work or to actively seek employment, a Wage
Subsidy Program, the Education Works Program and financial assistance, and job training for low-income families with
children.
Business Creation and Retention
The Business Enterprise Center
The City of Clovis and Curry County, working with the Clovis/Curry County Chamber of Commerce and the Clovis
Industrial Development Corporation, established the Clovis/Curry County Business Enterprise Center, a multi-use
business incubation, economic development, and workforce skills development center. The project assists in the creation
of new jobs for the region by providing an innovative public/private partnership to meet the needs of local industries and
further diversify the economy of the area. The Business Enterprise Center consists of multi-use business incubator space,
classrooms, a computer lab, and offices for staff members. In addition, the Center includes a state of the art Business
Resource Center equipped with computers and office equipment to assist incubator businesses in marketing and
promoting their business. The center has received strong community support from the Clovis/Portales Microplex and the
surrounding counties.
A major role of the center will be workforce training for employees in new industries, This workforce investment
package will enhance recruitment and retention of future business/ industries. The partnerships that have been formed
among local community leaders will ensure the viability and on-going success of the project. This project is a pro-active
approach to the challenges of providing employment and training assistance to new industries.
The Clovis Chamber of Commerce and Clovis Industrial Development Corporation is very proud of its new Rock and
Roll Museum located in the Chamber of Commerce Building in Clovis. The museum had its grand opening on
September 6th, 2008 and showcases Clovis’ rich history of music. Clovis is the home of Norman Petty Studios where
Buddy Holly and the Crickets, Waylon Jennings, Roy Orbison, The Fireballs, Leann Rhimes recorded her hit single
“Blue” at the Mesa Theatre in downtown Clovis and other notable artists recorded some of their early hits.
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Norman Petty Studio Museum and Rock and Roll Museum
The Norman Petty Recording Studio is an example of the unique history that impacted the growth and development of
Clovis. The Business Enterprise Center in downtown Clovis is a multi-functional center. The center has built upon the
unique history of Clovis as evidenced by the Norman Petty Museum and a Rock an Roll Museum. These museums
attract tourists to view artifacts from music legends Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, and many others. The history of our
community and its world wide influence on the music industry can now be told and fully appreciated with guided tours
of these museums and an annual music festival held in Clovis sponsored by the Clovis Chamber of Commerce.
Industrial Park
The Clovis Industrial Park is a prime example of public and private partnership. The City of Clovis, Clovis Community
College, Clovis/Curry Chamber of Commerce, the Clovis Industrial Development Corporation, and Eastern Plains
Council of Governments, together with local economic development entities such as Plateau, have formed a partnership
to work toward the development of the Industrial Park. A $1 million dollar EDA grant, written by the Economic
Development Director of the Eastern Plains Council of Governments, was awarded in September of 2008. The grant
money will improve infrastructure at the park, specifically the building of a much needed rail spur. Economic
development efforts are on-going for the park such as the development of a Talapia Fish Farm and an environmental
research facility. Expansion of the existing bio-diesel plant is also under consideration.
Clovis Community College
Clovis Community College has earned a very unique role in the economic development of eastern New Mexico and west
Texas. For example, Clovis Community College has two workforce centers that provide specialized training for area
businesses and employees. Clovis Community College is a vital partner in the Eastern Area Workforce Development
Board. For example, the workforce centers include a Small Business Development Center and the Center for Business
and Industry Training Center where job specific programs are designed to train the employee necessary skills for new or
existing businesses.
Business Expansions
Data indicates that Curry County has 1.040 non-farm jobs in 2009. which has provided over 12,000 jobs. These statistics
exclude government, hospitals, railroads, self-employed persons, agriculture production, or individuals in the service
related industries. The 2010 Census had 2,745 businesses in Curry County.
Clovis Main Street Program
The Clovis MainStreet Revitalization Program exemplifies business renewal and expansion. New Mexico Main Street is
the state division of the National MainStreet Center in Washington, D.C., sponsored by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation. This organization restores economic vitality to America’s downtowns through city design, promotion,
economic restructuring, and organization. In the second half of 2004, the New Mexico Main Street program spawned 69
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new businesses and more than $8 million in private reinvestment in New Mexico’s small towns and city centers. Clovis
has been an active member in the New Mexico MainStreet Program since 2000. Clovis MainStreet has been invaluable
in contributing to the growth and revitalization of downtown Clovis. One of the most recent projects of Clovis Main
Street and the City of Clovis is the remediation of environmental hazards in the Hotel Clovis, a historic landmark on
Main Street in Clovis. The Hotel Clovis is now ready for redevlopment.
Physical Infrastructure
Housing
Clovis is located on the Llano Estacado, a high plain with an elevation of 4,280 feet. Within a few driving hours of
Clovis are located ski resorts, National Forests, mountains, and lakes. Clovis is an excellent place to purchase a home
and statistics support that fact. The city is currently experiencing steady growth in an appreciating market. In 2007 to
date 758 home were sold with the average sale price of resale homes at $118,000. That is compared to $101,000 in 2006.
New construction homes have been selling between $125,000 and $400,000 with the average price of a new construction
home being $275,000 and construction costs averaging $120 per square foot.
Telecommunications
Curry County is served by Plateau Telecommunications. CenturyLink formerly Qwest serves Clovis. Curry County has
four internet access providers: Suddenlink, Plateau Internet, CenturyLink also known as Qwest.
Transportation -Highways and Major Arterials
Highways 60,70, and 84 run through the county and provide access to I-40. Major segments of the highways throughout
the District are undergoing reconstruction as part of the GRIP program. Former Governor Richardson’s Investment
Partnership (GRIP) is a $1.6 billion statewide transportation expansion and infrastructure improvement project approved
by the New Mexico Legislature in 2003. GRIP projects for this region include GRIP One $7.3 million reconstruction of
NM 209 (completed), a GRIP Two $2.7 million reconstruction of Prince Street in Clovis has been completed and a $1.8
million GRIP Two reconstruction project of Curry County Road 4 has also been completed.
Repaving and reconstruction of residential streets in Clovis have been completed with funding from a CDBG grant and
also from GRIP (Governor Richardson Incentive Program), a state funded road improvement program. Examples of
funded projects include 7th Street, Mitchell Street, Prince Street, and Brady Street. The City of Clovis currently have a
road improvement plan that provides funding from the city’s budget.
Reconstruction and rehabilitation of deteriorated existing two lanes includes NM 209 in Curry County which have been
completed by the NMDOT. County roads are also being upgraded. County Road 4 from US 70 to the railroad tracks has
recently been upgrades to handle the increased truck traffic to the Southwest Cheese Company Plant.
The City of Clovis has a local transportation service, C.A.T.S (Clovis Area Transportation Service), that is available for
customers at a nominal fee. Requirements are that the individual call the day before the service is needed. The vans are
equipped to transport handicapped persons to medical appointments. CATS has recently opened its new facility that will
allow for expansion of the program and a fixed route system.
The City of Clovis secured funds to repair the Hull Street Overpass. There are currently three overpasses in the
community that are used for all traffic. Emergency and police vehicles have benefited from having these routes
available. The bridges cross over the BNSF (Burlington Northern Santa Fe) rail line that goes from Chicago, IL. To
California.
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Airlines
In 1929, an airfield named Portair (later to be known as the Clovis Municipal Airport) was chosen by Charles A.
Lindberg as a stop in a forty-eight hour transcontinental air route. This transcontinental flight brought passengers from
the west coast to the Portair airfield, and then passengers would transfer to the Santa Fe Rail for departure to their final
destination, the east coast. Many years after the transcontinental flight was discontinued, the airfield was used to train
army gliders and bomber pilots in 1942. Portair was renamed Clovis Municipal Airport and today the airport is the ninth
largest in the state and provides non-stop air passenger service to Albuquerque, NM twice a day. He airlines currently
serving is Great Lakes Airline.
Railroad
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe
In the early 1900’s, Clovis became a central stop on the Santa Fe rail lines with a full service rail yard, complete with a
roundhouse. This vibrant and expanding industry brought travelers and railroad workers from across the nation to live
and work in the southwest.
The Santa Fe Railroad had a significant impact on the growth and development of the City of Clovis and surrounding
communities. BNSF also serves the area with a rail located south side of Clovis. This rail service runs from the east to
west cost. In 2003, the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe railroad began an expansion of their rail yards in Clovis
generating an additional 80 jobs to the area. On average 90 to 100 trains travel through Clovis in a 24-hr period. BNSF
currently employs 550. BNSF is one of Curry County’s top ten employers.
Utilities
Electric and Gas
Farmers Electric Coop serves the very rural areas of the county. Excel Energy services Clovis and Texico, and New
Mexico Gas Company provides natural gas to the county.
Water
The High Plains Ogallala Aquifer supplies most of the groundwater for agricultural and municipal uses in Curry County.
The critical reliance on the vulnerable groundwater supply presents the single biggest challenge to the region. Despite
modest projected growth over the next 40 years, the region faces an uncertain supply of potable water in the future. For
this reason, the Eastern NM Rural Water Authority (ENMRWA) was formed in November 2001 to plan and help finance
the Ute Water Acquisition and Operation Project, AKA the Ute Water Project. The Ute Water Project will pipe water
from the Ute Lake Reservoir, 75 miles to the north of Clovis, to various entities such as Cannon Air Force Base, Clovis,
Portales, Grady, Elida, Melrose, Texico, Curry and Roosevelt Counties.
City of Clovis
www.cityofclovis.org
The Clovis water system has been privatized for over 40 years. Southwest Public Service Company originally owned the
water system. In 1986 Southwest Public Service Company decided to concentrate on their energy business and sold the
water system to American Water. All of the major components of the City’s potable water system are currently owned
and operated by NMAW. The city owns two small potable systems. The small potable system, located at the airport,
consists of one well and one tank with chlorination. Approximately 7 miles north of the city, another small potable
system is in use at Ned Houk Park. Although mostly used for irrigation, this is a potable system (Clovis, 2005). The
Clovis water system is well-maintained, and NMAW has a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) in place for adding new
wells and for maintenance of existing equipment and structures.
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The drinking water wells have experienced a reduction in yield due to declining groundwater levels. The availability of
water in the future depends on the ability of NMAW to obtain additional water rights and to develop new wells in the
same aquifer. The NMAW has a comprehensive plan (NMAW, 2004) to provide for water through 2042. The current
rate of expansion of the water system is 5 new wells per year. However, these efforts will not be enough to sustain the
population in Clovis because well life expectancy is 10 years for those new wells. Adequacy of future water supply
depends on the ability of NMAW to obtain additional water rights and to develop new wells in the same aquifer. The
NMAW has a comprehensive plan (NMAW, 2004) to provide for water through 2042. The current rate of expansion of
the water system is 5 new wells per year. However, these efforts will not be enough to sustain the population in Clovis
because well life expectancy is 10 years for those new wells.
Cannon Air Force Base
The Cannon AFB water system is comprised of seven groundwater wells, storage tanks, and distribution piping. The
wells are all located on base and provide water for irrigation, fire protection, municipal, and industrial use.
Village of Broadview (Not listed in 2010 Census)
The village has an adequate water supply of acceptable quality and they do not anticipate additional needs in the
immediate future.
Village of Grady
The current Village of Grady water system is comprised of three wells, one liquid chlorine injection unit, one 200,000gallon storage tank, and a distribution-piping network. The wells and tank are located inside the village limits. The water
is distributed to customers using gravity flow out of the 200,000-gallon storage tank. The Grady water system facilities
are new, except for the chlorine disinfection system, and all are believed to be in good condition. Grady has a water
reservation at the Ute Lake Reservoir and will receive water from the Ute Pipe Line Project once operational. Grady is a
member of the Eastern New Mexico Rural Water Authority.
Village of Melrose
Water for the Village of Melrose is currently supplied from five groundwater wells located south and southwest of the
village limits and is stored in a 250,000-gallon elevated steel tank. A gas chlorine injection system is used to treat the
water before it enters the storage tank. Water is distributed by gravity flow from the 250,000-gallon elevated tank. A
noticeable decline in water levels at all the production wells is a major concern. The Village is currently working on
drilling a new well to supplement the current water supply. Melrose has a reservation at the Ute Lake Reservoir and will
receive water from the Ute Pipe Line Project once operational. Grady is a member of the Eastern New Mexico Rural
Water Authority.
City of Texico
The current Texico water system consists of three production wells, one 50,000-gallon elevated storage tank, a 325,000gallon standpipe, one booster pump, a gas chlorination system, and transmission and distribution piping (DBS, 2001b).
The water system is fully automated. The current water delivery system is old and in need of major repair. Texico is also
a member of ENMRW Authority, has a reservation at the Ute Lake Reservoir, and will receive water from the Ute Pipe
Line once in operational.
Alternative Energy Resources
A new strategy for community improvements is the use of energy-efficient and renewable- energy technologies. Today, a
growing number of new technologies and practices allow communities to achieve both economic development and
environmental quality, while boosting the health and welfare of a region. Curry County and the surrounding areas have
begun to recognize the availability of raw materials from the dairy industries and the conversion of agricultural products
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for energy production.
The Clovis Industrial Development Corporation is working with local farmers and farmer co-ops to consider the
tremendous potential for state-of the-art bio-fuel plants. Alternative energy projects under consideration also include
wind, solar, and geo-thermal.
Curry County and incorporated communities within Curry County participate in the Infrastructure Capital Improvement
Plan process. The ICIP process was developed and started by the State of New Mexico Department of Finance and
Administration to provide effective oversight of fiscal practices through service, guidance, and consistent enforcement
and to promote fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness in New Mexico’s budget and policy development.
This information is provided to state legislators and other state officials for use in prioritizing needs and funding
requests.
Section IV: De Baca County
Geography and Climate
De Baca County
On February 28, 1917, the State of New Mexico created De Baca County by designating land from the surrounding
counties of Chavez, Roosevelt and Guadalupe. De Baca County encompasses 1,509, 120 acres or 2333 square miles in
the beautiful Pecos River Valley of Eastern Central New Mexico. At an average elevation of 4025 feet, the climate is
that of the high desert and the annual rainfall, around 15.5 inches. De Baca County has four definitive seasons each year
and the sun shines pretty much every single day no matter what the temperature.
Fort Sumner is the County Seat of De Baca County. It is named for the old military fort established here in 1862. This
quiet village is very centrally located as shown on the table and the map below with state highways running through in
each direction.
Near-by
Towns
Santa Rosa
Clovis
Portales
Roswell
Albuquerque
Santa Fe
Direction from
Fort Sumner
North
East
Southeast
Southeast
Northwest
Northwest
Distance
Away
42
60
65
90
150
160
De Baca County’s economy is largely based on agriculture and Fort Sumner is surrounded by picturesque farms and
ranches. Along with cattle, sheep and horses, alfalfa, landscaping trees, pecans and even cotton are grown in the area.
Fort Sumner’s School system is consolidated into one campus and there are just over 300 students enrolled from K-12.
Fort Sumner School provides a quality education for the students with a graduation rate of 100%. Many of the Senior
students earn college credits while attending high school through a collaborative arrangement with Clovis Community
College and Plateau.
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Plateau is the internet, cell phone and landline provider for Eastern New Mexico so De Baca County has access to high
quality infrastructure with which to do business in a modern world. There is a local office for Plateau located in Fort
Sumner along with a Family Dollar, an antique store, a florist, a full service grocery and other businesses down town.
Fort Sumner has eight churches: Saint John’s Episcopal Mission, First United Methodist, First Baptist, Church of Christ,
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, The Mennonite Church, The Church on the Hill and Saint Anthony’s
Catholic Church.
De Baca County boasts as well, an airport, a fairgrounds, a state park with a lake, a state monument which houses The
Bosque Redondo, The Billy the Kid Museum and The Old Fort Sumner Museum. There is a bowling alley in town, a
public swimming pool, a senior center, a public library and two parks.
De Baca Family Practice Clinic provides health care, dental care and counseling services. There is a satellite office on
the public school campus.
Once a year, old friends and families join together to celebrate Old Fort Days. This event is held the second weekend in
June and includes the world famous Tomb Stone Race.
History
October 31, 1862, Congress authorized the establishment of a military fort located at the Bosque Redondo in what is
now De Baca County. The fort was named, Fort Sumner in honor of General Edmond Vase Sumner, commander of the
9th Military District. The Bosque Redondo was a round grove of cottonwood trees on the Pecos River. The fort
contained the Bosque Redondo, totaling a forty mile square that spread out into the valley floor. Later, Fort Sumner
became known as the first Indian reservation west of Oklahoma.
Due to the aggressive military presence and assault on the native tribes, hundreds of Indians were killed in conflicts
between the U.S. Military and the various tribal nations present in De Baca County. As a result of these continued
conflicts, native tribes were driven onto the reservation at Fort Sumner. It has been estimated that over 9,000 Indians
from various nations were held captive in the fort during a six-year period. Fort Sumner continued in operation from
1862 to 1868, when a treaty was signed.
The old Fort Sumner buildings were eventually sold to Lucien B. Maxwell in 1870 for $5,000. In 1881, Sheriff Pat
Garrett shot and killed Billy The Kid in the home of Pete Maxwell, which was originally the officer quarters at the old
fort. History records that Billy the Kid was buried in the military cemetery at Fort Sumner along with Charlie Bowdre
and Tom O’Folliard, two of Billy The Kid’s riders. In December of 1880, Lucien Maxwell and family had also been
buried in the old military cemetery. Mrs. Lucien B. Maxwell and her son Pete sold their remaining holdings in the fort by
1884.
After De Baca County was formed in 1891, there were two adjacent towns, Sunnyside and Fort Sumner. Both
communities had formed along the Pecos River and the Atchison, Topeka, and the Santa Fe Railroad (AT & SF RR).
About 1908, the AT & SF RR built a depot in Sunnyside. Later, the Sunnyside Review reported April 17, 1909 that the
two side-by-side towns had resolved their differences and merged to become one town called Fort Sumner, New Mexico,
with a post office. Fort Sumner was later incorporated as a village around 1910 and has remained the county seat since
that time.
Population Trends
According to the 2010 Census, De Baca County had a population of 2,022. The Census also estimated Fort Sumner with
a population of 1,160. Over the ten years between 1990 and 2000, De Baca County has experienced a 9.7% decline in
population from 2000-2010. Projected population in 2015 is 2,313. Projected population in 2025 is at 2,372.
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Village of Fort Sumner:
http://www.fortsumner.net
Fort Sumner is the largest community in the county with a population of 1,031 according to the 2010 census. The village
is located 60 miles west of Clovis and the Texas state line. This community is the only incorporated community in the
county and has been the county seat since 1910. The Village of Fort Sumner is a small farming and ranching community,
where settlers homesteaded near the Pecos River. The village currently has 662 housing units.
Education
De Baca County in Ft. Sumner offers a high school and an elementary school. The Fort School District covers a 2,332
square mile radius. Clovis Community College in collaboration with Plateau and the school district, use the Interactive
Television System (ITV) to offer post secondary educational opportunities to high school students and adults throughout
the region. The ITV system consists of fiber optics that provide two-way transmission of live audio and full motion
video signals, thus allowing students to both see and hear the instructor, and the instructor is able to see and hear
students.
Civic Participation and Organizations
Fort Sumner has 7 churches, 3 motels, one swimming pool, one dirt bike race- track, city parks, a youth center, a
municipal airport, and fairgrounds. The fairgrounds serve a wide range of activities and could potentially serve to attract
additional events to the community.
Economic Infrastructure
Agriculture is the chief industry and the primary source of income in the area with no present value-added processing.
Farming is concentrated in areas south of Fort Sumner, along the Pecos River, and in scattered areas on the uplands.
Cropland consists of 13,200 irrigated acres and 1,400 acres of dry land. The principal crop is alfalfa hay. Cattle and
sheep ranching operations are the main enterprises in the rest of the county. The main agricultural crops consist of
alfalfa, sweet potatoes, apples, grapes and melons.
Economic Generators
Six economic generators have been identified in De Baca. They include agriculture, agricultural-valued-added products,
health, a municipal airport, retail, and tourism.
Agriculture
De Baca County is a farming community totaling 1,409,434 acres. The cash receipts for crops in 2007 was over $6
million, while livestock produced over $16 million in revenue. Since agriculture is the economic base of the county, Fort
Sumner has recognized the importance of agricultural-value added products. Currently, De Baca County and the Village
of Fort Sumner are actively marketing their region as an ideal center for dairies and cheese production. According to the
Department of Agriculture, De Baca County produces an unusually high-quality alfalfa, rich in calcium. The three
essential ingredients that are required for the dairy industry include availability of large amounts of high-quality alfalfa,
hay, and ample water. Water and hay are essential to attracting dairies or a cheese plant, which would be a potential
benefit to the County’s agricultural industry. Clearly, De Baca County has the necessary ingredients to develop a strong
economic sector, the dairy industry. The 2007 all farm commodities sales were $22,370,000.
Agricultural Valued Added Products
Fluctuations in livestock markets and droughts sometimes place stress upon De Baca County’s main industry. Increased
partnerships, education, and continued planning are important to help sustain this industry. Value-added processing and
specialty crops, such as vegetables, could help strengthen and diversify De Baca County’s economy.
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Health
The De Baca Family Practice Clinic, located in Fort Sumner, offers a range of health care services. There is presently
four full time medical staff including a doctor, a nurse practitioner, dentist, and a social worker with emphasis on mental
health. The clinic also has a full complement of supporting staff. The Family Practice Clinic is presently planning to
expand their operations to better utilize the facility and to allow for office sharing for new medical specialists. Presently,
phase one of a new substance abuse treatment center, is under way. Once fully operational this center will be the only
one in the region.
Emergency medical care is provided by 3 ambulances with professional staff and fire protection is provided by trained
volunteers within the community.
Fort Sumner Municipal Airport
The Fort Sumner Municipal Airport was originally constructed in the early 1940s as a United States Army Air Field.
During WWII, the Army Air Corps trained airman to operate C-47, B-25 and P-51 aircraft. The airfield was closed
following the end of WW II. Today, the airfield property consists of approximately 900 acres that includes two improved
surfaced runways and large concrete hangers. The FAA funded a new airstrip lighting system and security fencing to
improve the airport. Currently, NASA and the Department of Defense continue to use the facility for research. NASA
continues to use the airfield for test flights of atmospheric balloons and the existing hangers for equipment storage.
Fort Sumner Airport Industrial Park
Adjacent to the Airport Park is an Agriculture/ Industrial Park that has been designated for the development of valueadded agricultural products, such as dairies and cheese production. The site has city water, sewer, and natural gas are
available and run along the east side of the park. Fort Sumner also has a large 10,000 square feet building that could be
used as a warehouse. The structure is in good condition with the capacity for semi-trucks to unload at loading docks.
The Airport and Industrial Park is an excellent example of the collaborative relationships that have formed due to the
Fort Sumner’s participation in the New Mexico Rural Readiness Program. Thanks to the technical assistance, operating
support, and guidance provided by the New Mexico Rural Readiness Program to the Fort Sumner Community
Development Corporation, marketing materials and funding have been provided to the community for economic
development.
Retail
The De Baca County Courthouse serves as a pivotal point within the village. The historic courthouse is prominently
located near the main intersection, overlooking U.S. Highway 60. The courthouse building itself, situated in the center of
the square, is a handsome historic structure with noteworthy Works Progress Administration (WPA) murals from the
1930s. Each mural depicts the vibrant history and culture of De Baca County. Surrounding the courthouse are several
businesses, in 2011 a new Family Dollar store was built along US 60-84. Also, a church and some western storefronts
with antiques and gifts line the main highway. Fort Sumner is currently working with the Main Street Program to
become a satellite city. The community has also painted vacant buildings to depict a western theme, thus eliminating the
deteriorating appearance of the structures on their main street.
Tourism
Tourism is a vital economic factor to the Village. The tourist attractions include Billy the Kid Museum, Old Fort Sumner
Museum, the Bosque Redondo Memorial Museum, Sumner Lake State Park, Fort Sumner State Monument, and Rock
Lake State Hatchery. The area surrounding U.S. Highway 60 and 17th street in Fort Sumner contains the principal tourist
attractions, the Billy the Kid Museum, the highway to the Bosque Redondo Memorial and Museum, and a number of
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tourist businesses such as restaurants and motels.
Billy the Kid Museum & Gravesite
Fort Sumner is known for being the gravesite of the famous Western outlaw, Billy the Kid. De Baca County is the
headquarters for the Billy the Kid Outlaw Gang with international membership. This organization is dedicated to the
research and history surrounding the Kid and the preservation of the Legend. The Billy the Kid and the Old Fort Sumner
Museums house an extensive collection of Fort Sumner’s historic past.
Bosque Redondo Memorial
The Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner State Monument solemnly remembers the dark days of suffering from
1863 to 1868 when the U.S. Military persecuted and imprisoned 9,500 Navajo (the Diné) and 500 Mescalero Apache
(the N’de) on a reservation known as Bosque Redondo at Fort Sumner, New Mexico— an area that encompassed 1,600
square miles (over one million acres).
The Bosque Redondo Memorial celebrates these two cultures’ dignity, resilience, endurance, courage and strength, in the
face of extreme hardship, isolation, sickness and death, to emerge from Bosque Redondo to become the admired and
proud people they are today.
We invite you to walk with us as we look into the Navajo and Mescalero Apache cultures and trace the history of the
events that led to their terrible incarceration at Bosque Redondo, their incredible survival, and emotional return to their
respective homelands.
A site of historic significance is the Bosque Redondo Memorial and Museum, the site of the Indian reservation
established in 1851. This memorial is dedicated to the Navajo and Mescalero Apaches who were forced to endure
extreme hardships in the 1860s on the reservation surrounding the fort. With public and private support, a new memorial
and exhibition hall to commemorate the Native American people who were interned at Bosque Redondo has been
planned by New Mexico State Monuments. Construction of the facility (phase one) is complete and exhibits are
currently being selected. This project is in association with the Museum of New Mexico and the Fort Sumner State
Monument. The memorial has been encouraged by the Navajo Nation and the Mescalero Apache Tribe, who have
appointed tribal members to serve as project advisors.
Sumner Lake Nearby is Sumner Lake, a recreational area, which attracts people interested in boating and fishing. Many
New Mexico residents have built vacation homes along the perimeter of the lake as weekend retreats.
De Baca County and Ft. Sumner participate in the Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan process. The ICIP process
44
was developed and started by the State of New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration to provide effective
oversight of fiscal practices through service, guidance, and consistent enforcement and to promote fiscal responsibility,
efficiency, and effectiveness in New Mexico’s budget and policy development. This information is provided to state
legislators and other state officials for use in prioritizing needs and funding requests.
Section V: Guadalupe County
Geography, Climate, and History
Guadalupe County has a population of 4,687. The largest incorporated communities within Guadalupe County are the
City of Santa Rosa with a population of 2,280, and the Town of Vaughn with a population of 539.
Historically, water has been a vital factor in influencing settlement patterns in New Mexico. This pattern was evident
during the period of Spanish and Mexican rule when Spanish land grants were given to Mexican settlers along the Pecos,
Canadian, and the Rio Grande rivers and their tributaries. In the 1820’s, the Mexican government created four land
grants within Guadalupe County Territory. Today, the community of Anton Chico is the only land grant community that
remains and it has been recognized as a historically significant land grant site.
Guadalupe County was established on February 26, 1891. As originally conceived, Guadalupe County was to be much
larger than it presently is. The action of the territorial legislature in February 1891, took from existing San Miguel
County, an area extending 60 miles north and south and 110 miles from east to west. This action did not receive the
approval of the governor until 1893. Subsequently, parts of Quay, DeBaca, Lincoln, Roosevelt and Chavez Counties
were taken from Guadalupe, reducing its area by more than one-third. Santa Rosa is the county seat and the Historic
Guadalupe County Courthouse, built in 1909, has been restored and is still in use. The original County Courthouse was
in Puerto de Luna.
The beautiful Pecos River meanders through the tall mesas and the grass prairies of Guadalupe County. From Upper
Anton Chico and Anton Chico as the northern most communities along the Pecos, the river continues to flow to the south
through Puerto de Luna, a quiet village that was established in the early 1860’s. Today, Puerto de Luna remains a quaint
village which offers a glimpse into the past, as one can observe the 1881 church and adobe ruins.
The topographical composition of Guadalupe County is extremely varied and unique. The county is comprised of flat
prairie grassland, tall rugged mesas along the winding Pecos River, and natural caves and lakes. Much of the topography
is due to the presence of an inland sea that blanketed the area, thousands of years ago. Today, geological evidence of the
inland sea, fossils and pre-historic archeological artifacts continue to be found as evidence of the areas geologic history.
The City of Santa Rosa represents the magnificent natural caves and springs formed as a result of erosion in the
limestone beneath the surface. Historically, the area has been known for its natural springs and caves. One of the most
famous natural attractions is the “Blue Hole.” Many have called the Blue Hole “Nature’s Jewel” because of its great
depth and brilliant clear water. It also has a depth of 81 feet. This natural artesian spring maintains a constant water
temperature of 61° and because of the constant temperature is ideal for scuba diving.
The county’s average annual rainfall is 13.7 inches per year and the average low temperature is 38.9 degrees F. The
average high temperature is 77.2 degrees F. and the elevation is 6,240 feet above sea level. The size of the county is
3,032 square miles. The county is home to the following communities: Santa Rosa, Vaughn, Anton Chico, La Loma,
Dilia, Colonias and Puerto de Luna.
Population Trends
There are four primary centers in Guadalupe County. These communities include: Anton Chico, Santa Rosa, Puerto de
Luna, and Vaughn.
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Village of Anton Chico
In the 1820’s, the Mexican government created four land grants within Guadalupe County Territory. Today, Anton
Chico is the only one still in existence with a land grant status. Anton Chico Land Grant contains approximately 278,550
acres within Guadalupe County. This private land is held in common by Anton Chico Land Grant and is under control
and management by the land grant board of directors. The original land grant area has been reduced in size over many
years due to privatizing of some areas. The colonists built two fortress-like plazas, which are now called Upper Anton
Chico and Lower Anton Chico. The Anton Chico village has had a post office since 1872.
City of Santa Rosa (“The City of Natural Lakes)
Santa Rosa lies halfway between Albuquerque and Clovis and it represents the diverse topography of the Great Plains.
The city is like an oasis that invites travelers to rest and enjoy the many spring-fed lakes in Santa Rosa and the
surrounding areas. This is a “City of Natural Lakes” that was built along the historic Route 66 Highway. Today, Route
66 has given way to Interstate 40, but the nostalgic Route 66 continues to provide a sense of “place” for this unique
southwestern community. New Mexican and American restaurants and shops continue to be popular attractions for
tourists and residents alike.
Santa Rosa has 14 churches, 19 motels with a total of 912 rooms, over 20 restaurants, and 4 RV parks. There is one
hospital with 10 beds, Guadalupe Health Services, and 3 doctors. The Rotary Club is very active in the community.
There are numerous sights to see, they include: St. Rose Chapel, Santa Rosa Lake and State Park, Original Guadalupe
County Courthouse, Puerto de Luna, James Wallace Memorial Park and Power Dam, Perch Lake, Santa Rosa Golf
Course, Park Lake, Blue Hole, and an antique car museum.
Fish Production Facility (Proposed)
The City of Santa Rosa is currently exploring the possibility of a fish production facility. The abundant water resources
available to Santa Rosa offer a unique opportunity to provide sustained economic stability to the city. To best utilize
these water resources, Santa Rosa would like to commit to long term beneficial use of its water rights by designing and
building state-of-the-art fish production facilities. The facilities, in two separate locations and utilizing two separate
water sources, would supply both warm water and coldwater fish throughout the New Mexico, Arizona, and west
Texas. This region is currently underserved, as there are no private warm water fish production facilities and few, small
coldwater facilities. In New Mexico alone, 98.6% of the trout purchased by private interests are imported from
out-of-state. Santa Rosa is proposing to own the facilities and form a public/private partnership to lease and operate the
facilities (to be named Santa Rosa Aquatics). Santa Rosa, through marketing efforts, will have the ability to brand
itself “The Fish Production Capital of the Southwest”.
Conceptual rendering of fish production facility
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Santa Rosa believes that the utilization of their abundant water resources will not only create economic growth for the
community, but will also have a positive impact on the economy of the entire state. Out-of-state fish growers, typically
located in the southeastern portion of the U.S., currently provide a majority of fish to the region. A fish production
facility located in Santa Rosa can out-compete growers in the Southeast based on savings in transportation costs and
quality of product. Cost of transportation could be reduced by as much as $2,800 per load and mortality rates would
decrease due to the reduction in transportation time. Based on demand for fish in the region, the Santa Rosa facilities will
grow rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, grass carp, and fathead minnows. One of the proposed fish production
facilities will be constructed adjacent to the Blue Hole (a nationally renowned scuba dive location), with the other being
located adjacent to Perch Lake. Both facilities would utilize current technologies for indoor production of coldwater fish
(trout) and outdoor ponds for grow-out of the warmwater fish species. Total capital outlay for the fish production
facilities, including tax and project contingency, is $9,726,801. Santa Rosa is proposing the following funding sources:
State appropriations of $6,876,801; Federal funding grant of $2,000,000; and USDA Utility Backed Loans of $850,000.
Private contributions from the principles of Santa Rosa Aquatics (SRA), totaling $1,011,218, will be used to cover the
first 18 months of operating expenses. The economic impact of creating a fish production industry to Santa Rosa,
Guadalupe County, and the State of New Mexico can be measured in several ways. The total economic impact from this
project for the first five years is estimated to be $24,644,621. Gross receipts revenues from construction and fish sales
total $1,636,706 over the first five years.
Projected spending from tourism as a direct result of the new project is expected to reach $864,000 by the fifth year.
There will be (6) six new fulltime job opportunities created at the fish production facility, with the potential
to hire several part-time employees during the busiest production periods. In addition, local farmers will be utilized to
grow feed for the production of grass carp in outdoor rearing ponds. Other indirect benefits include the use of discharge
water by local farmers to grow specific crops and the potential to use “green” energy sources such as solar power and
hydro-electric turbines to generate electricity. In addition, SRA will establish internships and co-op programs with local
colleges and state universities to provide a high level of on-the-job training to students seeking careers in fisheries
science. Support for the project is far-reaching; from private landowners within the region, to Indian tribes and
government agencies. The creation of a fish production industry in Santa Rosa will be a beneficial use of Santa
Rosa’s water, and will provide an economic boost to Santa Rosa, Guadalupe County and the State of New Mexico.
Ilfeld-Johnson warehouse Project (Proposed)
After the Interstate by-pass was completed around Santa Rosa in the 70’s the downtown area and the Route 66 strip
began to decay. The economic decline in Santa Rosa has been largely reversed through a number of new developments
both public and private. A hotel and food strip that developed on the east side of town away from the downtown district
has become a source of gross receipts tax for the City. Santa Rosa’s downtown district has an historic character, and
many residents live in the downtown area. The City, in conjunction with its MainStreet program, embarked on an
ambitious project to renovate the downtown historic structures as well as provide for attractive landscaping and other
amenities. This has had a favorable impact upon downtown and has laid the groundwork for private investment and an
economic turnaround of the downtown district.
Santa Rosa just completed a downtown MainStreet Master Plan. Many of the transient Interstate travelers that stay at the
eastside motels are looking for something to do in Santa Rosa in the evening. One of the themes of the Master Plan is to
develop a downtown with attractions, character and shopping to pull in additional dollars from the eastside transient
47
travelers. The City is completing a dive industry Convention Center in conjunction with the Blue Hole, one of the most
famous inland scuba dive sites in the country. There is tremendous potential for the downtown area to cater to locals,
transient travelers, a growing regional economy and a tourist base that is growing from the new Convention Center,
projected developments of Santa Rosa’s lakes and other pull factors.
A short time ago the City purchased the historic Ilfeld-Johnson Warehouse Building. This is an impressive structure built
in 1901 out of locally mined sandstone located at the crossroad of Santa Rosa’s downtown main street and Historic
Route 66. The City commissioned a plan for best use of the structure. The plan recommends that the Ilfeld-Johnson
Building be used as a strategic downtown anchor based on public-private partnership development that will be the
catalyst for the next phase of downtown development – private investment. The building will house a tourist-class
restaurant and sports bar with Route 66 memorabilia and décor that will help to make Santa Rosa downtown a minor
destination. The building will also house a small museum and the City Visitor’s Center, the MainStreet Office, a
seasonal Farmer’s Market and an innovative retail incubator with shops downstairs.
The City has invested in building purchase, commercially –zoned lots for expansion and parking, and renovation and
extensive plans are already underway. The completion of the Ilfeld-Johnson Warehouse project using a combination of
public and private dollars will help to turn this structure into a major historic landmark and a significant anchor that will
help to spur private sector development in Santa Rosa’s downtown.
Village of Puerto de Luna (Rich History)
The community was named for the Luna family, who settled near Puerto Creek. Puerto de Luna contains several clusters
of houses amid irrigated fields on the east and west side of the Pecos River. The village consists of a church, senior
center and a fire department. One of the oldest towns in Guadalupe County, Puerto de Luna, on the Pecos River has had
a post office since 1873. Puerto de Luna was the original county seat of Guadalupe County in until it lost out to Santa
Rosa in 1902.
In the winter of 1862 a committee of thirteen men was appointed to examine the site to determine the advantage of
settlement. On their favorable report six families moved in. Water for irrigation was provided the following spring by a
dike across the Pecos River, and land cultivation began. Then the Navaho came, raiding the herds of the village and
killing the herders. They returned another time and killed a boy, and drove off more of the stock. The town was settled in
1863 by the following people and their families: Don Melquitades Ramires, Sixto Ramirez, Mercedes Carvajal, Fabian
Brito, Pablo Pacheco, and Miguel Chaves.
Legend says that Coronado named the place when he camped on the spot where the town is now located.
Coronadonamed it Puerto because of a narrow gap in the mountains near the village where at certain times during the
month the moon shines through bathing the river valley in moonlight.
In the spring of 1864 the Indians attacked in greater force, but the settlers were better armed, and succeeded in driving
them off, killing three. As late as 1866 a band of twenty-five Indians drove off a large flock of sheep belonging to a man
from Anto Chico known as Cuate Real. The Indians were overtaken about 25 miles from the village, but the dust raised
by the sheep afforded them a screen, and under cover of this they surprised their pursuers, who barely managed to drive
them off. The sheep were recovered, however as well as a herder whom the marauders had captured and had made him
carry water with repeated jabbing from Indian lances.
Then there is the story that members of the Luna family settled near the gap and the name may refer to "Lunas Gap".
Members of the Luna family still live in the area. Documentary confirmation has not been located. If you have any
records that would add to this please feel free to forward to the Guadalupe Coordinator, Harold Kilmer.
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The claim to fame that Puerto de Luna has is that Billy The Kid ate his 1880 Chrstmas dinner in the home of Don
Alejandro and Dona Secundina Grzelachowski. Almost a day after he was captured at Taiban, New Mexico he was
brought to Puerto de Luna in handcuffs and leg irons. Billy The Kid was on his way to Romero's hoosegow in Las Vegas
Grandes where he would await trial for the murders of several Lincolnites.
Town of Vaughn
Vaughn was established in the early 20th century as a Southern Pacific Railroad town. The town's importance grew
when a second railroad, the Eastern Railway of New Mexico (an Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe line from Belen to
Clovis), was completed in 1907 with Vaughn as a division point. A large two-story depot, a roundhouse, and a Harvey
House hotel were constructed shortly thereafter. Vaughn was incorporated in 1919 and in 1920 had a population of 888
residents according to the U.S. census.
The Town of Vaughn is located on US 285 between Roswell and Clines Corners. The expansion of the railroad
facilitated growth for the area and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad still runs through the town. The
administrative offices for the Town of Vaughn are located at City Hall and have been for many years. There is a
community center that accommodates large public meetings and recreational activities. The community center has
served the community well, a recent CDBG grant enabled the city to renovate and improve the center.
The town library is located behind city hall and is open on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 pm-8:00pm every week.
The library continues to expand its operation and provide more resources and services to the community as needed, but
residents would like to see the library get computers, software and other equipment, including printers and internet
service.
The Village of Vaughn had a population of 539 people in 2010. Guadalupe County has had a 12.61% increase in
population over the past 10 years.
Education
The Vaughn Independent School District serves the town and several small communities and ranches in the area. In 1968
the junior-senior high school was built and since then no major renovations or repairs have been done. In 1989 the town
built the new elementary school and renovated a multi-purpose room, which is used to house the cafeteria.
Housing
EPCOG Region IV Housing Authority currently administers 42 rental assistance vouchers throughout the county. The
issue of housing in Guadalupe has become a critical need within the county. The development of the correctional facility
has created a shortage of housing stock. Both rental housing units and residential homes for purchase are in great
demand. Many local leaders state that the workforce population is limited due to the lack of housing options for those
who want to live and work in this area. The general area is in need of affordable housing.
Telecommunications
Plateau Telecommunications serves the county with telephone and Internet services. Guadalupe General Hospital is
provided tele-medical patient monitoring and physician consultation from The University of New Mexico Medical
School. This technology would greatly increase education opportunities for area residents through distance learning.
Transportation
Highways and Major Arterials
The City of Santa Rosa is located on a major ground transportation route. Interstate 40, (Historic Route 66) and US
Route 54 intersect at the city. Today, the City of Santa Rosa has built a thriving commercial and hospitality corridors
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serving interstate travelers. Over half of Santa Rosa’s gross receipts are generated by transportation-related retail sales
and service sector businesses. Like other communities of similar size and economic condition, Santa Rosa has no public
transportation, but there is a private taxicab company and there is also a regional airport.
Vaughn is the intersection point for U.S. Highways, 54, 60, and 285. Each of these highways connects Vaughn to larger
towns that provide services that are not available within the community. Roswell, Ft. Sumner, Santa Rosa, and
Albuquerque are some of the larger communities that resident’s travel to when they need items or services that are not
available in Vaughn. One of the most viable concerns of the resident is safety along the main highway that runs through
Vaughn. Residents are concerned about the speed of travelers as they pass through the community, especially the semitrucks. In response to these concerns, New Mexico Department of Transportation will soon be installing yellow caution
lights placed at each end of town. The New Mexico Department of Transportation also has a law enforcement training
facility located in Vaughn.
Railroad
Through the past century, the economy of Santa Rosa and surrounding areas has been significantly tied to transportation.
The Rock Island Railroad constructed a railroad through the area with the first train arriving from Chicago on Christmas
Day 1901. During the first decades, the railroad brought commerce to the region. As the rail lines came north through
Santa Rosa from El Paso, there was an increased volume of regular freight, passengers and mail delivery. Later, Vaughn
and Santa Rosa became known as railroad towns, with increased commerce and available railroad jobs.
Union Pacific, a north-south bound rail line, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe, an east-west bound rail line intersect in
Vaughn. Union Pacific Railroad contracted with Lodging Enterprises Company to build a hotel and a restaurant when
Union Pacific designated Vaughn as a layover station for their employees.
Utilities
Electric and Gas
Farmers Electric Co-Op serves the City of Santa Rosa and Central New Mexico Electric Co-Op serves Vaughn
Wastewater
The City of Santa Rosa has a sewer system, but there are no other community sewer systems serving the rural
communities of the county. The communities of Anton Chico and Puerta De Luna are served by individual septic
systems.
Water
Virtually all residents of the county rely on groundwater from the Pecos River for domestic uses. In the Pecos River
Valley groundwater is readily available, but seasonal conditions can impact water availibility within the county.
In the areas surrounding Santa Rosa and the village of Colonias there is a well field that draws from the aquifer
associated with the Pecos River. The town of Vaughn also has a water well field in the area of Duran that supplies
groundwater to Vaughn. In the northwest quadrant of Quadalupe County, Anton Chico has seven water associations with
small wells and distribution systems. The area does not forsee a water shortage in the immediate furture.
Alternative Energy Resources
Feasibility studies have indicated that Guadalupe County is an ideal location for wind farms. Currently, there are 125
wind turbines operating in the county with another 50 to be installed during phase two of this project soon.
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Economic Generators
Six economic generators have been identified in Guadalupe County. They include: Agriculture, Healthcare, Retail,
Tourism, Renewable Energies and Natural Gas.
Agriculture
According to the New Mexico Agricultural Statistics publication of 2007, Guadalupe County contains 208 farms. Cash
receipts for all farm commodities was $15,413,000. While farming and ranching continues to dominate land use in
remote rural areas of the county, there appears to be a decline in livestock herds. Three agricultural trends are becoming
more evident in Guadalupe County. The first trend is the increased frequency of ranch consolidation, which has reduced
the number of family ranches in the county. The second trend is the gradual in-migration of ranch owners from outside
of the county, some of whom have little ranching experience. Finally, the third trend is the gradual conversion of
agricultural lands to rural residential property or vacation home sites. These trends are not unique to Guadalupe County,
but they do indicate a change in land use patterns for agricultural land within this region.
Water is one of Santa Rosa’s major resources with seven lakes, the Blue Hole and the Pecos River. Santa Rosa also has a
State run fish hatchery that supplies State owned lakes and streams with trout for recreational fishing. As part of the
economic development plan being prepared by the City, plan consultants were asked to research the fish farming
industry. This sector is actually in decline in the U.S., partly due to competition from Asia. However, during the research
phase a special situation was uncovered.
One of the very few businesses in the country that both constructs lakes and riparian habitat and also manages these
properties is located in Albuquerque. This company is established and manages private fishing lakes throughout the
southwest. At the present time they must import fish from Louisiana and Idaho. The company has agreed to both
purchase trout from a Santa Rosa fish farm and to even be a partner with the City in its development. This is a singular
opportunity for Santa Rosa, and a great way for the City to use its water resources to create a new business sector,
provide additional jobs and help to train local youth in this specialized field.
Healthcare
The City of Santa Rosa and Guadalupe County aggressively worked together with a private non-profit company to
secure funding and establish one of the finest acute care hospitals in the northeastern region of New Mexico. The new
facility was opened in July 1, 2011 serves medical and emergency /trauma cases for this area. The Guadalupe County
Hospital has 10 private patient rooms, 2 emergency rooms and one double trauma ER room, and state-of-the-art medical
facilities for medical, and specialty services, X-ray lab ,CT, and MRI available.
The Town of Vaughn does not currently have an acute care center, but residents are able to access the Guadalupe
General Hospital located in Santa Rosa, approximately 37 miles away. For, more extensive acute care services residents
must travel to Albuquerque. The town operates an ambulance service for the community, which is volunteer based and
is manned by two or more local residents who have emergency medical training. Vaughn also has one rescue unit that is
not equipped to transport patients, but can assist at the scene of an accident.
The Vaughn Senior Center has been operational for almost 20 years and provides many activities for the seniors within
the community. The center coordinates with the senior center in Santa Rosa to provide activities and trips for the seniors
as well as provides meals on wheels. The town would like to purchase a new senior citizens van for the community.
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Retail
The Santa Rosa courthouse square serves as the heart of the community. The square continues to provide retail,
restaurants and services to area residents. The historic downtown is rich with art deco architecture and quaint storefronts.
The City of Santa Rosa just recently added a new family dollar store. The City of Santa Rosa has completed their
proposed downtown revitalization plan. Due to the local leaders visionary approach to downtown revitalization and their
persistent hard work, the courthouse square has been renovated and the old Santa Rosa school renovated to house
City/County government offices. The City’s vision for the downtown revitalization also includes renovation of the Pecos
Theater to function not only as a theater but also as a community art and meeting center. Santa Rosa has been selected
as a Main Street satellite community, which will assist in downtown revitalization.
Tourism
The hospitality and tourist industry is a tremendous economic stimulus for the county. Local leaders recognize the
significant economic potential of the tourist industry in Guadalupe County. Local leaders have aggressively marketed
traveler amenities for interstate travelers and their natural resources as recreation and tourist destinations. Many of these
destinations are beautiful topographical sites surrounding Santa Rosa. Santa Rosa has a number of natural lakes, giving
rise to Santa Rosa’s nickname “ City of Natural Lakes”. The area has 11 natural springs and lakes, including two artesian
springs. There are four distinctive sites that draw visitors from around the country to view the unique topography and
cultural aspects of the area. These sites include: the Blue Hole, Route 66 Historic Trail, Santa Rosa Lake State Park, and
the Mesalands Scenic Byway. Santa Rosa hosts the annual Santa Rosa Route 66 Festival and Pecos River Motorcycle
Rally, which attracts many visitors and motorcycle enthusiasts to the area.
Blue Hole
Also known as "Nature's Jewel," it's a favorite site for dive training because of its consistent year-round water
temperature and good visibility. Besides drawing divers from all across New Mexico, the spring attracts migrations of
divers from Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas.
The Blue Hole is an example of the many natural spring-fed lakes. This natural spring is famous for scuba diving due to
a depth of 81 feet and a natural artesian well delivering 3,000 gallons of water per minute at a constant temperature of 64
degrees. The City of Santa Rosa has received tremendous support for the Blue Hole Diving and Convention Centers.
These centers would provide vital convention facilities and tourist activities for the area. Currently, the Blue Hole Diving
Center has numerous professional and amateur divers visiting the site each day.
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Mesalands Scenic Byways
The Mesaland Scenic Byway is a muli-county route that travels through Guadalupe, De Baca, Quay and San Miguel
counties in East Central New Mexico. The byway attracts archeologists from both the professional and hobbyist levels
due to its fossil rich beds. Several rare finds have been made in this region and along the byway. The routes of this
byway that lie in Guadalupe County consist of NM 156 that travels east to the county line and enters De Baca County,
US 84 south from Santa Rosa to NM 203 west to Ft. Sumner Lake and returning north to Santa Rosa. Another route is
west along US 54 to NM 219 and north to Interstate 40. Two other routes in the byway are county road 4H north to
Colonias and NM 91 north to Santa Rosa Lake State Park.
Route 66 Historic Trail
Today, the historic Route 66 continues to pass through the City of Santa Rosa and there are numerous nostalgic remnants
of this immortalized cross-country highway. In 1926, the highway received national designation as a major
transportation route, linking America’s rural and urban areas. This historic and scenic byway continues to bring
economic revenue to the city. Many restaurants and storefronts have maintained the vibrant architecture of the 60’s for
tourist to enjoy.
Santa Rosa Lake State Park
Santa Rosa Lake State Park is a recreational paradise offering water skiing, wind surfing and excellent fishing. The lake
is located on the high plains of the Pecos River reservoir and is approximately 7 miles from Santa Rosa on N.M.
Highway 91. The lake provides overnight facilities, boating ramps, docks and fishing areas. The park has majestic views
of wildlife and hiking trails covering 500 acres of park land.
Santa Rosa City Park
This beautiful city park is nestled in the heart of the city and it provides swimming, volleyball, group shelters and pedal
boat rental for residents and visitors alike.
Wetland Park
As one tours the scenic byway, there is a wetland park project adjacent to this byway and the Blue Hole site that was
made possible by the New Mexico State Forestry Division’s, Rare and Endangered Plant Program. It is a 116-acre
protected habitat for the endangered Pecos Sunflower and at the completion of the project there will be a preserved open
space for future generations. Currently, the project is still under development, but at completion the site will provide
education and recreational venues for visitors.
Section VI: Harding County
www.hardingcounty.org
Geography and Climate
Harding County, the least populated county in New Mexico, sits in the northeastern section of the state where there is
vast open range used for grazing cattle. The county is rich in history, breath taking views and vistas, renowned ranches,
and abundant opportunity. The landscape is comprised of rolling ranch lands with mesas and vast canyons. The land area
of Harding County is 2,126 square miles with the highest elevation at 5,890 above sea level. The average annual rainfall
is 15 inches with temperatures varying from the low 30’s to the high 70’s.
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The total acreage of Harding County is 1,368,300 acres. Of this 946,300 is privately owned, 348,600 is owned by the
state and 70,545 acres are operated by the Forest Service, 319 acres are managed by the Bureau of Land Management
and 3,536 acres are Miscellaneous Federal.
History
Harding County was one of the last unpopulated areas in the United States to be settled by homesteaders in the early
1900’s. Homesteaders received up to one square mile of free land under the Expanded Homestead Act. The availability
of free land brought settlers to the west and Harding County was no exception. Historians have recalled a peak
population in Harding County of approximately 7,000 people. Then in 1921, the announcement came from Santa Fe that
Harding County, which was named after President Warren G. Harding, had been officially declared a county. The
Village of Mosquero was selected as the county seat. It was an exciting time for the newly formed county and the
Villages of Roy and Mosquero. History tells of a festive parade with teachers and enthusiastic students parading through
the dusty streets behind a banner proclaiming “Just Born: Harding County”, as they sang patriotic songs to announce the
momentous event.
The enthusiasm of that historic time has carried over into the present day. This sparsely populated county might be few
in numbers, but its residents remain passionate and dedicated to the preservation and economic development of their
communities. Today, the county courthouse remains a vital cornerstone in the Village of Mosquero as evident by the
recent historic preservation and renovation of the structure. The historic two-story rock building is listed on the state and
national historic registry and continues to house county offices.
The only communities throughout the county that survived the Great Depression and dustbowl days of the 1920’s and
1930’s are the Villages of Roy and Mosquero. Roy was once a railroad town, with 146 miles of railway lines which lead
from Tucumcari to Raton. In 1901, Frank Roy established a rural post office northeast of the present town site, giving it
his family name. When the railroad was laying its tracks, Roy moved his operation to the rail station and added a general
store. Land settlement was stimulated by land-hungry homesteaders arriving via the railroad, thus the town grew.
Though the town named for the Roy family survives, their descendants have moved to other areas.
Around 1906, the railroad designated Mosquero as a “water stop”, and with the presence of the railroad the homesteaders
began to settle. Benjamin Brown, a lawyer and real estate agent, organized the Mosquero Land Company. He quickly
began to sell tracts of land and in July 1908 he laid out the town site for the Village of Mosquero. Mosquero, as the new
town was called, became the largest settlement in Harding County.
Population Trends
Harding County’s population was 4,421 in 1930, but during the Dust Bowl days of the mid 1930’s the population began
to decline due to the Great Depression. Then, years of continuous drought conditions in the 1950’s placed tremendous
hardship on farmers and ranchers. During this period of economic hardship massive out-migration of farmers, ranchers
and merchants occurred and the population of Harding County is presently 809. Today, the villages of Mills, Solano,
Albert, Bueyeros, Rosebud, and Gallegos still have a few inhabitants, with Roy and Mosquero maintaining their
municipal buildings and commercial activities. Only a few abandoned buildings and adobe ruins remain that
distinguishes the villages of Yates, Sabino, Reyes, and Bryantine.
Harding
Population in 2010
Projected Population in 2015
Projected Population in 2025
Civilian Labor Force in 2009
Total Employed in 2009
695
868
918
290
261
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Total Unemployed in 2009
Unemployment Rate Percentage in 2008
Average Wage Per Job in 2007
Per Capita Personal Income in 2009
High School Graduate Percentage in 2009
Some College, No Degree Percentage in 2009
Associates Degree Percentage in 2009
Bachelors Degree Percentage in 2009
Graduate Degree Percentage in 2009
29
5.1%
27,789
19,390
86.9%
24.9%
4.9%
42.5%
3.7%
Education
The 2009 Census reported that 86.9% of the population in Harding County 25 years and older graduated from High
School. In addition 8.6% 25 years or older held a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
In 2009 there were 35 students in Roy and Mosquero’s two elementary schools, and 61 students in 7-12 grades in both
villages.
The Roy Municipal School, K-12, has well-kept buildings and a spacious gymnasium. The school is noted for its State
Championships in the sports of volleyball, basketball, football and track. Interactive television is available at the school
for students as well as members of the community.
The Mosquero Municipal Schools also provide classes K-12. The school is in excellent condition and is the focal point
for the community. The school recently added a multi-purpose room that can be used for community meetings or other
large gatherings. Distance learning classes are offered at the high school level and the school sports program continue to
be very competitive in track and basketball.
Civic Participation and Organizations
The Harding County Community Center provides space for meetings, business and social gatherings. The Harding
County Fair is an exciting annual event with exhibits and activities. Adjacent to the center is a newly remodeled Fair
Barns and Rodeo Arena where the Annual County Fair and 4-H Livestock events are held. Also, there are three churches
in the area providing places of worship.
Health and Safety
Both Mosquero and Roy have very active senior centers, which are run by the county. The Mosquero senior center
prepares the meals for home delivery. The meals are prepared in Roy and transported to Mosquero. Home bound citizens
are served in both communities.
The Village of Roy’s newest addition is a Volunteer Fire Department Building, which has six; bays and houses fire
trucks and two rescue units. The Village of Roy is well policed by a full time Marshall. A volunteer fire department and
emergency medical team are on call as needed.
Economic Generators
Four economic generators have been identified in Harding County. They include: Agriculture, Agricultural Valued
Added Products, Natural Resources, and Tourism.
Agriculture
The economic pattern of Harding County today can be characterized as essentially one vast cattle range, dotted here and
there with farms. The famous Bell Ranch, once 750,000 acres, has been downsized over the years but still remains the
largest ranch in the county.
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Three agricultural trends are taking place in Harding County, the first being an increased frequency of ranch
consolidation, which has reduced the number of small family ranches in the county. The second trend is the gradual inmigration of ranch owners from outside of the county, some of whom have little ranching experience. Finally, the third
trend is the gradual conversion of agricultural lands to rural residential property or vacation home sites. These trends do
indicate a change in land use patterns for agricultural land within this region.
Agricultural Valued Added Products
There are 129 farms in Harding County and there are some agricultural valued added businesses that support the farming
and ranching industry. An excellent example of a value added product in Harding County is the Wagon Mound Ranch
Supply that supplies farmers and ranchers with all types of ferrier tools and equipment, chuck wagon cookbooks, camp
kitchen accessories, and branding supplies. This unique and beautiful retail store is located in Solano between Mosquero
and Roy on Highway 39 in a recently restored schoolhouse that was built in 1911. Another, indirect agricultural value
added product in Harding County is the metal fabrication of cattle guards, metal sheds, metal furniture and other
ranching and farming products. Due to the technical assistance provided by the various participants, the county was able
to identify that the production of metal products used in farming and ranching as a much needed regional product. The
funding participants in this collaborative project included: USDA, NM Economic Development, Plateau
Telecommunications, Eastern Plains Council of Governments, and the Economic Development Administration. Today,
the metal fabrication facility is called Solano Manufacturing and it is also located in Solano.
Natural Resources
The carbon dioxide (CO2)production business also supports the local economy. As history has recorded, this area
contains one of the largest reserve of CO2 in the United States. The Bravo Dome field is located at Bueyeros, which is
northeast of Mosquero and contains over 1,000,000 acres of private, state, and federal land. The proximity of this large
amount of CO2 and the oil fields in the Permian basin of West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico promoted the
construction of a CO2 pipeline that is presently sending 500 million cubic feet of CO2 per day to various parts of the
country, mostly Texas where it is used in oil field production This pipeline has greatly enhanced the availability and
value of this natural resource and other economic development initiatives are presently being planned.
The National Beverage Associations are looking for pure naturally occurring CO2 processed in a sterile environment.
There is a need for CO2 liquid, dry ice, airport slice ice, and pellets. The designation “Organic” in the food industry is
achieved by meeting certain goals in production and processing. In the beverage industry, isotopic traces from biomass
& petrochemical origin may preclude carbonated beverages from being classified as “Organic”. In addition the food
industry is using Modified Atmospheric Packaging, (replacing air in packaged food with CO2 to reduce product
deterioration and additive use). “Organic” CO2 produced and transported without contamination from Harding County
could meet the needs of these industries, and qualify their products as “Organic”.
To make this CO2 double green, twice as organic, is to produce it with wind power. Foresite Energy Company has a
permitted, tested lease in Harding County. This clean energy source could be used. New isotopic analysis of various
carbonated beverages, although controversial, would be useful to see if there are any properties that indicate the
origin of the CO2 used today.
Tourism
The beauty of the region continues to draw visitors to the area as evidenced by a scenic byway designation of New
Mexico Highway 39. There is also a developed camp ground at Mills Canyon which provides camping, fishing, and
hiking.
La Frontera del Llano, Scenic Byway
This scenic byway runs the length of Harding County, where cattle outnumber people seven to one. The route begins at
Abbott, named for the sheep ranchers who long ago abandoned the onetime village. NM Highway 39 meanders through
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the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grassland, a rolling grassland prairie that offers a panoramic view of New Mexico’s
big-sky. As one travels down the scenic byway, a traveler can detour into the majestic Mills Canyon Campgrounds,
another tourist destination. There is an application for funding for a Corridor Management Plan for the Frontera del
Llano Scenic Byway.
Mills Canyon
Mills Canyon is the site of a historic town that was built in the 1880’s and later it was washed away by a disastrous flood
along the Canadian River. Today, travelers can stay in the Mills Canyon Campground and see the remains of an
extensive farm that was built by Melvin Mills alongside the river. There are reminants of a stone mansion, hotel and
fruit trees that once flourished.
Physical Infrastructure
Telecommunications
Plateau Telecommunications serves the county with phone and Internet services.
Transportation
Major Arterials
NM Highway 39 as we have discussed is the major arterial in Harding County. The highway runs the length of the
county in a north/south direction. There are no other major highways in the county. The nearest Interstate, I- 25 is 34
miles west on State Highway 120. Public transportation is not available in the villages of Roy and Mosquero.
Airlines
Harding County does not currently have an airport. Currently, from Mosquero the nearest airport is Amarillo, 171 miles
or Albuquerque, 210 miles and from the village of Roy the closest major airport is Albuquerque, 212 miles.
Utilities
Electric and Gas
Springer Electric Coop serves the county with electricity. Harding County does not have natural gas service and
therefore uses an alternative gas, propane.
Wastewater
Both Villages have sewer systems and all residents are connected to the system. Both villages are applying for additional
funding for water and wastewater improvements.
Water
Harding County is totally supplied by groundwater with the exception of approximately 20% of its livestock withdrawal.
The far western edge, adjacent to the Canadian River, is regulated by the Canadian River Declared Groundwater Basin.
Irrigated agriculture withdrew 3,905 acre-feet during 1995 to irrigate 2,630 acres. Livestock water use was second with
480 acre-feet of groundwater and 119 acre feet of surface water. Public water supply withdrew 83 acre-feet, domestic
317 acre-feet, mining one acre foot and commercial less than one acre foot.
Mosquero has two storage tanks with 75,000 and 30,000-gallon capacities and four wells that produce an average of
8,000 gallons per day and can produce 15,000 gallons per day. Water quality meets present water quality standards. The
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wells located near Solano are about 120 feet deep and produce 20 gallons per minute. Pump operation is rotated using
two pumps at a time. The wells are supplied by the Ogallala Formation/Mesa Rica Sandstone. The Village also has a
proposed water pipeline project, which will replace existing pipelines with larger diameter pipes to increase water
pressure for health and safety reasons.
Roy has two storage tanks with a capacity of 150,000 gallons and five wells that produce an average of 57,000 gallons
per day. Average daily use is 57,000 gallons. The wells are located in the vicinity of Solano. The wells are supplied by a
small isolated portion of the Ogallala Formation. The water quality meets present water quality standards but is hard to
very hard. Both Villages have had new sewer and water lines recently added.
Solano has one storage tank that is fiberglass and has the capacity to store 5,000 gallons. The average daily use is 1,535
gallons. The distribution system is PVC. The water is very corrosive and is high in total dissolved solids, fluorides and
iron.
Harding County and incorporated communities within Harding County participate in the Infrastructure Capital
Improvement Plan process. The ICIP process was developed and started by the State of New Mexico Department of
Finance and Administration to provide effective oversight of fiscal practices through service, guidance, and consistent
enforcement and to promote fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness in New Mexico’s budget and policy
development. This information is provided to state legislators and other state officials for use in prioritizing needs and
funding requests.
Section VII: Quay
Geography and Climate
Located in the Northeast region of New Mexico, grassy mesas and rolling plains provide for an ideal ranching and
agricultural center. The size of the county is 2,882 square miles with the highest elevation at 4,850 feet. The average
annual rainfall is 17 inches with snowfall averaging 7 inches. Communities within the county include: House, Logan,
Nara Visa, San Jon, and Tucumcari.
History
Quay County has a rich history that precedes New Mexico statehood. Quay County was created in 1903 from portions of
southern Union County and eastern Guadalupe County. In 1907, the northern boundary was changed to include sections
of southern Union and southeastern San Miguel Counties.
Liberty at Fort Bascom
During the War Between the States, a small village just north of the Pajarito Creek began to develop. The village was
soon known as Liberty, a place for soldiers stationed at Fort Bascom to live. Then, as the railroad began to expand
through the country, Liberty was not on the rail lines and the village began to decline in population. Businesses quickly
moved from Liberty to Tucumcari so they could be close to the rail station. As homesteaders began to settle along the
railroad lines, Liberty and Fort Bascum quickly closed.
The City of Tucumcari was named after Tucumcari Mountain, which stands alone in the desert landscape. The town was
initially a tent city that appeared almost overnight. Historian’s record, J. A. Street was the first person to erect a tent. This
period was a time of rapid growth with settlers & railroad workers migrating into the region. Many historians describe
Tucumcari as the “Infant Wonder,” no streets, no water, no sewer; just a railroad and a million dreams. The Founding
Fathers of Tucumcari were five businessmen who left Liberty and filed on the open desert land. Later in 1901, they
donated 120 acres of the land for the Tucumcari Township. These men were: M. B. Goldenberg, A. D. Goldenberg,
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Jacob Wertheim, J. A. Street, and Lee K. Smith. Tucumcari was officially founded on November 22, 1901 on the Rock
Island Railroad Line in the Territory of New Mexico, Quay County. It was not until 1903, when Quay County was
formed that Tucumcari became part of Quay. Settlers faced surmountable hardships that were due to the harshness of
the land. The hard soil and periods of prolonged droughts made it difficult for settlers to access water. Water became a
scarce commodity as wells were being dug. Initially, high producing wells were very difficult to discover, due to the hard
ground. Therefore, water had to be hauled each day and delivered to each home. A barrel of water would cost fifty cents
but people stayed and they learned to deal with the limited availability of water. As the Homesteading Act of the early
1900’s was established, five million acres of land opened for homesteading. Many people came west with plans for
farming and ranching but quickly realized the dry arid climate and limited water made it difficult to produce abundant
crops. It was not until later in the decade that irrigation was introduced to the area. The same climate that was a problem
for the farmers was thought to cure tuberculosis. Consequently, large numbers of people soon arrived in the eastern
plains with hopes of finding a cure for TB. Some of the first businesses to open in 1902 were the Barnes and Rankin
furniture store, the A. B. Simpson Hardware, A. A. Blankenship’s livery barn, a hotel, and of course the Monarch
Saloon. A boarding house operated by Mr. and Mrs. Turner was located at First and Turner. Other businesses were the
Pioneer Bakery, Arcade Restaurant, and Waldorf-Astoria Hotel with rooms for $2 a day, the Owl Saloon, Weldon and
Young Real Estate and Investments, Jackson and Foxworth Lumber Company, and the Exchange Bank.
Civic Infrastructure
Quay County has experienced unstable population growth throughout the 1900’s, with various “boom and bust” periods.
The railroad contributed to the rapid increase in population during the early 1900’s. In 1910, the population had risen to
more than 14,000 residents. This was short lived, as the Dust Bowl came ten years later reducing the population by more
than 4,000 residents. Then, the Great Depression and industry fluctuations added to the population decline and further
instability.
Population Trends
In 2000, the US Census indicated 10,155 persons living in Quay County. The largesse numbers were as follows:
Tucumcari having 5,989, Logan with 1,094, San Jon 306, and House 72. A 6.17% decrease in population was reported
since the last US Census.
Growth Centers/Population Hubs – www.quaycounty-nm.gov
Population in 2010
Projected Population in 2015
Projected Population in 2025
Civilian Labor Force in 2009
Total Employed in 2009
Total Unemployed in 2009
Unemployment Rate Percentage in 2009
9,041
10,311
10,289
7,287
3,641
187
7.8%
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Average Wage Per Job in 2009
Per Capita Personal Income in 2009
High School Graduate Percentage in 2009
Some College, No Degree Percentage in 2009
Associates Degree Percentage in 2009
Bachelors Degree Percentage in 2009
Graduate Degree Percentage in 2009
27,192
29,797
35.6%
19.6%
4.8%
6.3%
5.0%
There are five centers in Quay County. These communities include: House, Logan, Nara Visa, San Jon, and Tucumcari.
Village of House
An estimated population for the Village of House in 2003 was 67 residents. The community was named for the family
of John L. House who were early settlers. As discussed in previous sections, this community was settled by
homesteaders who came to the west to farm and ranch. Today, many of the early families continue to farm and ranch in
the area.
Village of Logan – www.utelake.com
Logan was created in 1901 as a railroad town when the Rock Island Railroad erected a tent city on the banks of the
Canadian River. The village is located on US Highway 54 approximately 24 miles northeast of Tucumcari. Logan is the
home to the Ute Lake Reservoir, which is a warm water lake that is accessible for fishing year round. Logan’s main
economic revenue is derived from agriculture, ranching and tourism.
Village of Nara Visa
Established in 1902, Nara Visa quickly sprang up during the construction of the CRI&P Railroad. Today, it remains a
small quaint village on the intersection of US Highway 54 and NM 402. Nara Visa is an unincorporated community in Quay
County, New Mexico, United States. Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 88430.
History: Nara Visa traces its beginnings to brothers Sim and Fred McFarland of La Veta, Colorado. The brothers
originally came to New Mexico to work on their uncle's cattle ranch. When word came that the Rock Island
Railroad would be building a track through the area, the McFarlands moved to a location near the proposed route. The
community was first known as Narvaez, named after the Narvaez family.
Henry F. King came to the site in November 1901 to be the first section foreman. At that time, there were no structures
aside from the depot. He and his wife lived in a boxcar where they boarded trainmen, section men, and occasionally
cowboys. In January 1902, the section house was constructed. Soon two small stores were built.
The community's first school was constructed in 1906. By 1910, there were a total of four active churches. In 1919, Nara
Visa had eight saloons, at least three dance halls, drugs stores, general merchandise stores, a barber shop, butcher shops,
millineryshops, auto suppliers, hotels, garages, and a bank.
Village of San Jon
The history of San Jon dates back to the 1890’s when a watering hole was constructed by cattlemen in what is now
known as San Jon. The construction of the railroad at San Jon had a significant economic impact on the community in
1911, which connected Memphis TN to Tucumcari. Later, settlers began to establish small businesses and 1907 the San
Jon Town site was created on a total of 160 acres. In 1946, San Jon was incorporated.
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Over the next several decades San Jon’s economy was supported by copper mining at the Cap rock, construction of
Route 66 through San Jon, and a productive farm and ranch industry. In 1966 San Jon’s population was over 500, there
were six motels, nine service stations, three cafes, a snack shop, a drug store and several other businesses. It was and
exciting time until Interstate 40 diverted traffic around the town. Consequently, the town’s economic base had been
weakened by the re-routing. San Jon’s main street’s decline and the closing of the railroad led to a reduced economy and
population.
Today, San Jon remains a small village with a population of 306 in the 200 Census. It serves as a gateway to New
Mexico. It is located 22 miles east of Tucumcari. Local leaders have been aggressive in recruiting businesses to the
community. Several projects and ways to attract business from the traffic of I-40 and NM 469 (route to Ute Lake) are
being researched and discussed.
City of Tucumcari – www.cityoftucumcari.com
Tucumcari, the largest community within the county is situated on the beautiful Llano Estacado, the western portion of
the Great Plains. In 1541, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado named this area Llano Estacado which means “staked plains”
in English. Due to the vast plains with no real landmarks for the return journey, Coronado and his men built rock
monuments with lances protruding from them used as markers. The City of Tucumcari remains the Heart of the “Mother
Road” otherwise known as “Route 66” with art deco murals scattered throughout the community. Nestled on historic
Route 66, Tucumcari has more than 1200 motel rooms, two lakes within half-hour drives, a golf course, a world-class
Dinosaur Museum, Historical Museum, and a State Historic Scenic Byways road.
The city has always capitalized on its location along Route 66 and Interstate 40 in terms of drawing visitors in for
recreation. In recent years, strong economic incentives have been put in place for training, subsidized property and
building costs, and fast/ easy access to licensing and permits for recruitment of new and expanding industries. With
forward thinking local leaders and aggressive economic developers, the city continues to improve on existing
infrastructure to accommodate economic growth and development.
Quality of Life
Tucumcari is a small city of 5,363 strategically located on Interstate 40 between Albuquerque and Amarillo. With
excellent educational services, transportation access and access to capital, Tucumcari is poised to serve the relocating or
expanding business community.
Ute Lake sits at Tucumcari’s back door With 283 acres of water front, it provides world class outdoor recreation.
Numerous resort communities are currently under construction, not the least of which is the spectacular “12 Shores”. In
addition, Mesalands Community College provides numerous community services, including a state of the art fitness
center, a world class paleontology program and Dinosaur Museum, and a state of the art bronze foundry. Mesalands is
also home to the North American Wind Research and Training Center, providing O&M training in the world’s tallest
classroom, a 400’ tall tower capped by a 1.5MW GE turbine. Mesalands specializes in customized training for any
industry.
With no congestion, short commutes, quality educational programs and an abundance of outdoor recreation, Tucumcari
offers big city services in a small town environment.
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Lifestyle




Outdoor recreation
o 12 Shores at Ute Lake
o Conchas Lake
Arts and culture
o Historic Route 66
o Tucumcari Depot District
o Quay County Council for the Arts and Humanities
o City of Murals
o Painted Gas Stations
History and museums
o Mesalands Community College's Dinosaur Museum
222 East Laughlin Street
Tucumcari, New Mexico 88401
(575) 461-3466
o Tucumcari Historical Museum
416 South Adams Street
Tucumcari, NM 88401
575-461-4201
Events (art or music festivals, etc.)
o Tucumcari Air Show – September
o Mother Road Rally
o Rattler Reunion
Education
Quality education is a point of pride in Tucumcari and Quay County. Tucumcari Public Schools has adopted “Excellence
in Education” as its motto, and most recently has completed phase 1, of a new High School building campaign. The
project, designed by Greer Stafford SJCF Architecture firm from Albuquerque is estimated to cost $21 million and will
be completed in three phases. Construction completion is scheduled for October 2011.
Mesalands Community College provides courses designed to give aspiring students pre-collegiate skills, training for
technical careers, ability to acquire an associates degrees, and courses for those preparing to transfer to a four-year
institution. As a small college, Mesalands provides personal attention and a caring atmosphere that is difficult to find
elsewhere. Small classes and a caring faculty create a learning environment designed to make students successful.
Mesalands Community College provides employers the ability to customize programs to meet their needs. Recent
programs include the Building Trades Program, Commercial Truck Driving Program, Farrier Program, Fine Arts Bronze
and Metal Working Program, Livestock Judging, and Rodeo.
Of particular note are the Paleontology Program in conjunction with the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and the North
American Wind Research and Training Center, both world class programs with world class resources.
The 2000 Census reported that 73.8% of the population in Quay County 25 years and older graduated from High School.
In addition 13.4% 25 years or older held a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
In 2008 there were 1069 students enrolled in the Tucumcari public school system while the surrounding communities of
Logan reported 230 students, San Jon reported 150, and House reported 108 students.
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Mesalands Community College
Is a two year community college, offering degrees, diplomas and certification in a multitude of disciplines and specialty
programs include: bronze foundry, paleontology, farrier science, truck driving, construction trades, business
administration, liberal arts, and the North American Wind Research and Training Center.
http://www.mesalands.edu/wind/default.htm
Healthcare
Tucumcari is home to the Dan C. Trigg Memorial Hospital. It is a 37 bed full hospital facility, with regional trauma
services and fully staffed emergency room. It provides a heliport for air evacuation capabilities. A $500,000 Community
Development Block Grant awarded in 2008 enabled Tucumcari to construct a new roof on the hospital and with an
increase of one eighth of one cent in gross receipt taxes
Tucumcari is also home to the Quay County Family Health Center, a family practice health center, and the Quay County
Medical Clinic.
Numerous Family Practice physicians have offices in the community as well.
Two full services pharmacies and an optometrist are in the community:
Bob's Budget Pharmacy, a full service pharmacy
Wellborn Pharmacy, a full service pharmacy
Family Vision Care Clinic providing routine eye care, adult and child
Economic Infrastructure www.tucumcari.biz
Quay County is still quite young in terms of development. Only a small fraction of the land has been put to use other
than in the production of food and fiber. Agriculture remains the county’s economic stronghold, even though only
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approximately 11% of the county’s overall workforce relies on agriculture as a direct means of income. The following
section identifies various economic generators that are present in Quay County and how the county has begun to
diversify economically.
Economic Generators
Six economic generators have been identified in Quay County. They include: Energy/water, Metal Fabrication, Ag and
animal science, Warehousing and distribution, Transportation and diesel mechanics, and Retail.
Agriculture
Ranching and farming are still a major economic stimulus in the local economy, bringing in over $50 million in farm
receipts in 2003. The county produces alfalfa, beans, forage sorghum, grain sorghum, cotton, small grains, melons, sugar
beets and wheat. Approximately 119,333 acres are irrigated cropland, while 186,000 acres are used for dry land farming
methods. In terms of ranching, grazing lands for cattle, sheep, and dairy cows account for over 1.6 million acres in the
county. Tucumcari Cattle Feeders Company will open in the fall of 2008 and expects to generate 27 jobs in its first year
of operation, will feed over 3000 cattle daily, and generate in excess of $87,000 per year in gross receipt taxes for
Tucumcari’s local economy.
Agricultural Value Added Products
A diversified economic plan has begun to broaden the existing economic base of the area. As seen in the establishment
of a city-owned agricultural industrial park. The industrial park focuses on the recruitment of agricultural-based
businesses, such as small manufacturers, food processors and distribution centers. Due to the amenities of this agri park,
community leaders are confident in the recruitment of additional industries. The park offers heavy utilities, paved road,
freeway access, and a rail spur. Other amenities include: affordable land, low cost taxes and utilities, lower employment
costs, mild climate, and ease of access to major interstates and rail lines.
An example of an agricultural value added product in Quay County is the Tucumcari Mountain Cheese Plant that
produces an award winning feta that is shipped from coast to coast, as well as local favorites such as their famous green
chili cheddar cheese. There are presently 25 employees at Tucumcari Mountain Cheese with expansion of the facilities
under consideration.
Light Manufacturing
Agricultural and food processing make up the bulk of Quay’s manufacturing sector with efforts being made to expand in
other areas in order to diversify.
Main Street Revitalization
Tucumcari, like many other communities, now realize that their architectural history is a treasure that needs to be
preserved and shared with others. With the help of an active Main Street organization, local economic development
entities, and Tucumcari citizens, several grand buildings are being restored that will help to revitalize their main street.
The Princess Theater which was built in the 1920’s is located on Main street and it exemplifies the grand architecture of
the roaring twenties.
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Tourism
Tucumcari’s economy has always reaped the benefits of travel and tourism dollars from year round highway traffic and
seasonal recreation at nearby lakes. With over 16,000 cars or trucks traveling through Tucumcari on I40 per day, and
4,000 cars or trucks traveling through Tucumcari on US 54 per day, the Tucumcari Chamber of Commerce and the
Economic Development Department continue to aggressively seek new business opportunities that will stimulate
increased tourism. A scenic byway tour in Quay County includes the Mesalands and Route 66. Both scenic trails offers
the traveler an opportunity to view the majestic mesas, tall prairie grasslands, home of the Allosaurus dinosaur, and
architecture of the nostalgic Route 66.
Historic Route 66, Scenic Byway
Highlighting Tucumcari’s link with popular Historical Route 66 is evident by the teepee that marks the entrance to the
original trading post, Tee Pee Curios and the neon lights that signal travelers to the Blue Swallow Motel. There are book
tours and theme parties that celebrate this period of history, complete with car hop waitresses.
Mesalands Scenic Byway
This scenic byway takes travelers up to Logan and Ute Lake State Park, then south where it climbs up the top of the
mesalands, passing by Ralph Stanfield Memorial Nature Trail. Another aspect of the scenic trail is a northwest drive to
Conchas Lake State Park, while detouring to the Bell Ranch, one of the last traditional ranches in the west. As one
meanders east towards Santa Rosa there are details about the dinosaurs that once roamed the area. Further details can be
learned at the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum.
Mesalands Dinosaur Museum - www.mesalands.edu/museum/museum.htm
The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum is located in Tucumcari and it is devoted to unique displays of fossils, skeletons and
sculptures of prehistoric creatures from marine life to dinosaurs, all unearthed from the surrounding region. The
centerpiece of the museum is a recreation of the Torvosaurus, a large meat-eating dinosaur: this particular exhibit is one
of a kind in the world. Also, many of the exhibits and bones are preserved in a new, state-of-the-art bronzing method that
allows a “hands on” experience for children and visitors.
This museum is a direct result of a cooperative regional tourism initiative that has linked together three existing
dinosaur/wooly mammoth related sites. The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum is the second site to be discussed. The first
site was previously discussed in Sections III and VIII; it is the Blackwater Draw Archeological Site and Museum. Then,
in the following section we will discuss the third site, the Clayton Lake State Park Dinosaur Tracks.
The Tucumcari Historical Museum is also an excellent source of southwest history.
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Train Depot
Another, architectural treasure is Tucumcari’s historic train depot which was designed and built in 1901. This beautiful
structure is an example of Spanish style architecture with adobe walls and a red tile roof. The first passenger train to
arrive in Tucumcari was in 1902 and the rail station continued to serve the Southern Pacific Railroad and Union Pacific
Railroads until 1999, when a decision was made to close the depot. The Tucumcari Train Depot has recently undergone
a major renovation project, utilizing state capital outlay funds. The project is designed to become an anchor for
downtown revitalization. The project is led by the Tucumcari Mainstreet organization.
Quay County Fairgrounds and the Tucumcari Convention Center
The City of Tucumcari built a 30,000 square foot convention center adjacent to the Quay County Fair Grounds. The
Convention Center works to promote local business and products attracts visitors to the area, books tours and various
events within the center. The Quay County Fairgrounds and Tucumcari Convention Center work together to serve
Tucumcari, Quay County and the surrounding areas in providing accommodations for special events.
Ute Lake State Park
Ute Lake State Park which is 20 miles north of Tucumcari is the second largest lake in New Mexico and the largest
Labyrinth Weir Spillway Facility in the world. The lake is almost 13 miles long but just one mile wide. Recreational
boating, fishing and camping are all available. Ute Lake State Park is a state park in New Mexico, USA, located on the
eastern plains. The park features a large 8,200-acre (33 km2) reservoir on the Canadian River that is home to various fish
species including largemouth bass, catfish, crappie and walleye. The park elevation is 3,900 feet (1,200 m) above sea
level. The park is located 2 miles (3.2 km) west of the town of Logan, New Mexico.[2]
12 Shores at Ute Lake - www.12shores.com/
12 Shores at Ute Lake, a master planned resort community is currently under design and construction. The planned
community is located outside the Village of Logan, at Ute Lake. 12 Shores features a beautiful championship golf
course, a full clubhouse with a bar/restaurant, pro shop and driving range. Several spectacular holes follow the lakeshore.
The village clubhouse provides all the services for water recreation.
Economic Indicators:
The following charts illustrate economic trends within the economy and the associated indicators.
2005 3rd Qtr. Aver. Monthly Earnings
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Comparison for Quay Cty vs. State
2005 3rd Qtr. Aver. Monthly Earnings Entity
2005 Aver. Monthly Earnings Quay Cty $2,021.00
New Mexico $2,873.00
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Employment and Wages by Industry
According to the stoical data, the largest employer group is local government, followed by retail and hospitality.
Workforce
Current statistics continue to document a growing industry of retail and hospitality due to tourism in the area.
Unemployment and Civilian Labor Force
Unemployment and Civilian Labor Force
2000 - 2004 in Quay County.
Year
2000
Civilian Labor Force 4,392
Employment
4,173
Unemployment
219
Rate
5.0
2002
2004
4,017
3,799
218
4,033
3,776
257
5.4
6.4
Source: N M Dept of Labor -www3.state.nm.us/dol
Capital, Revenue, and Investments: Gross Receipts:
There are 594 farms with land totaling 1,651,119 acres. Cash receipts for crops in 2003 were almost $3 million and
Cattle and Calves over $9 million.
Lodgers Tax
Tucumcari has imposed a 5% lodger’s tax and collected $478,574 in 2003. Logan has a rate of 3% and collected $5,142.
The total lodger tax collected in 2003 for Quay County was $483,716
General Obligation Bonds
General Obligation Bonds: as of June 2003
Municipality Net Taxable Value Net Bonding Cap.
House 493,796 19,752 Logan 10,429,063 417,163
Tucumcari 43,644,523 1,745,781 San Jon 1,525,766
61,031
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Source: N. M. Dept. of Finance & Admin., Local Gov.
Business Patterns
Business Creation and Retention
Over a ten-year period Quay County has increased business establishments by 14, with an annual payroll that has
slightly increased.
The Tucumcari Business Park
In 2007 the governor awarded approximately $2 million towards the development of the business park. A top priority for
business recruitment is renewable energy and related service industries. Many factors serve as positive incentives in the
recruitment of renewable energy related industries such as an abundance of wind and sun, land, and The North American
Wind Research and Training Center located at Mesalands Community College. Other industries are being pursued such
as light manufacturing, retail, and alternative fuel production facilities to locate within the business park.
12 Shores at Ute Lake
As discussed in the proceeding page, the 12 Shores at Ute Lake development is a planned community that is located on
Ute Lake near Logan. This development is expected to generate significant revenue for the county and the surrounding
areas. This 25,000-acre waterfront resort is currently under development with as many as 12,000 homes upon
completion. Prices in the first phase will range from $360,000 to $500,000.
Business Expansions
As previously discussed, over the last ten years, Quay County has had experienced expansions in 14 businesses.
Tucumcari Main Street Program
Efforts to revitalize the historic downtown area are underway with the opening of several new businesses in downtown
Tucumcari. Local leaders are active in the New Mexico Mainstreet Program and they continue to market their
downtown.
Trucking Companies Expand
Tucumcari is becoming a major transportation hub due to the easy access to Interstate 40, one of the busiest highways in
the West that runs through the south section of the town. The city is also a major stop along US Highway 54, where
goods are shipped from the Midwest to Mexico. With the additional state highways 104 and 209 converging at
Tucumcari, many trucking companies are expanding their local services to include long distance runs from Quay
County. Examples are: The Flying J Truck Stop in Tucumcari employs 150 people and Loves Truck Stop employs over
25 people with other truck stop developers presently in discussions to locate in the Tucumcari area.
Business Closures
Business incentives are being provided by the county and city is an economic strategy. This economic strategy is
attempting to mitigate the occurrence of business closures and to foster business expansions. Quay County continues to
steadily strengthen their economic base and are beginning to retain more of their existing businesses.
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Housing
EPCOG/RHA IV administered rental assistance throughout the county.
Telecommunications
Tucumcari is served by Century Link for telephone service and Internet service is provided by both Century Link and
Plateau. The rest of the county is served by /Plateau for both telephone and Internet services.
Transportation
Highways and Major Arterials
As previously stated, this area is becoming a transportation hub due to the presence of Interstate 40, one of the busiest
highways in the West, US Highway 54, where goods are shipped from the Midwest to Mexico and state highways 104
and 209 all converge at Tucumcari.
Airlines
One of the most convenient general aviation airports in the region is located in Tucumcari with a lighted 7100 foot
runway, with a capacity to handle large corporate jets.
Railroad
Rock Island and Pacific Railroads
In 1901 the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad built a rail line across New Mexico to connect El Paso and the
Northeastern Railroad at Santa Rosa. The first passenger train came through Tucumcari on March 12, 1902. Soon, there
were four passenger trains through Tucumcari each day; two west bound and two east bound trains. With the increased
rail traffic the economy also began to improve. Today, the Union Pacific Railroad provides quick and convenient access
for major industries with a rail siding leading to the new industrial park with rail spurs and additional tracks under
consideration for the near future.
Utilities
Electric and Gas
Xcel serves the City of Tucumcari. Farmers Electric Coop serves the smaller communities, which is a local coop. NM
Gas Services provides natural gas to the county.
Wastewater
The City of Tucumcari has an adequate storm and sanitary treatment plant with secondary treatment capability. The
Village of Logan is in need of expanding their wastewater treatment plant. The smaller communities have septic tanks
and/or cesspools.
Water
Quay County uses groundwater and surface water to meet its needs. Water use is regulated by the Canadian River
Compact, Pecos River Compact, from Conchas Lake on the Canadian River, located in San Miguel County. The district
was originally designed to serve 41,386 acres, but water shortages have kept the project from reaching its full cropping
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potential and in 1995 only 30,907 acres were irrigated.
Reservoir evaporation is the second largest water user with 32,938 acre-feet of withdrawal, mostly from Ute Reservoir.
Public water supply used 2,060 acre-feet of groundwater and 81 acre feet of surface water. The 81 acre-feet of surface
withdrawal were used for the Tucumcari Golf Course. Livestock use withdrawals were 660 acre-feet from groundwater
and 72 acre feet from surface water. Commercial withdrawal was 11 acre-feet and mining was 0 acre-feet from
groundwater.
Tucumcari, is supplied by eighteen wells located in three well fields; Metro, Hoover and City, which are within the
Tucumcari Underground Water Basin. The system has seven storage tanks with a capacity of 5,084,000 gallons. Average
daily use ranges from 1.026 million gallons per day minimum to 2.5 million gallons per day maximum. An adequate
supply is projected to meet demands but the increasing mineral content in the City Well field will require modification of
the water supply treatment facilities.
To assure a long-term supply of adequate water quality communities must continue to conserve water use. Tucumcari
currently has a 6,000-acre feet reservation contract with the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission for water from
Ute Reservoir.
The communities of Logan, San Jon, Nara Visa, and House obtain their groundwater from 13 different wells and
together they have an average daily use of 319,326 gallons.
Alternative Energy Resources
The topography present in Quay County along with the constant wind speeds provides an ideal condition for the
generation of wind energy. Currently, there is the Cap rock Wind Ranch that is southeast of Tucumcari and southwest of
San Jon and the farm contains 80 Mitsubishi wind turbines. The energy that is produced from these generators is
distributed by Xcel Energy. The PNM Wind Ranch consists of 136 wind turbines, each standing 210 feet high with
blades exceeding 110 feet in length. The facility is approximately 170 miles southeast of Albuquerque and it straddles
both Quay, De Baca counties, extending over 9,600 acres of private and state-owned land. Wind energy has the potential
to be a significant economic stimulus in this area.
Section VIII : Roosevelt County
Portales and Roosevelt County, NM
Overview
Roosevelt County, New Mexico, at 2,447 square miles is the size of the state of Delaware. The population in 2010 was
19,846 people, at a density of 8.1 persons per square mile. Approximately 95% of the county population resided within a
15 minute drive of the city of Portales in 2010. The county is home to farms, ranches, conservation reserve land, wind
energy, gas exploration and major dairy and peanut processors, including the nation’s largest Certified Organic peanut
butter plant.
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Roosevelt County hosts 41 commercial dairies (NMdairy.org) with an average herd size of over 1,500 cattle. The San
Juan mesa Wind farm produces 150 megawatts of electricity near Elida, New Mexico. The largest Air Force-controlled
bombing range in the United States, the Melrose Range, is situated in the northern panhandle of Roosevelt County. The
southern portion of Roosevelt County is situated at the northern tip of the Permian Basin oil and gas region, and gas
extraction in Roosevelt County contributes .5% to the New Mexico Gross State Product.
Natural areas in Roosevelt County include Oasis State Park, Gruella Wildlife Refuge, and the Milnesand Prairie Chicken
viewing area. Cultural attractions outside of Portales include the Blackwater Draw Museum and Archeological Site,
where the paleo-human remains known around the world as “Clovis Man” were discovered and are on display in a
working archeological site. The Clovis Man site attracts visitors from around the world and is written up in travel guide
books in Sweden, Germany and Denmark.
Eastern New Mexico University in Portales is the third largest public university in the State of New Mexico, specializing
in the Liberal Arts, Broadcasting, Nursing, Teaching, and Agricultural Science. Portales is a bedroom community for
nearby Cannon Air Force Base, and in 2006 was ranked the 15th most desirable small town in America for quality of life
by Bizjournals.com, based on a combination of factors including climate, commute time, low crime and cost of living.
Location
Roosevelt County is located on the East Central Plains of New Mexico, in the Southwestern corner of the United States
Great Plains. The county adjoins the West Texas Panhandle approximately 80 miles west of Lubbock, Texas. Portales is
located 95 miles northwest of the Lubbock International Airport, and 230 miles southeast of the New Mexico state
capital, Santa Fe. The county is located directly on US Highway 70 linking Arizona to North Carolina, and is served by a
20 mile spur of the BNSF Coast-to-Coast Railway.
Population Data
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Portales is in the Portales Micropolitan Area as defined by the US Census Bureau which includes Portales and
surrounding suburbs
Roosevelt County had a population of 19,846 in 2010*
The City of Portales had a population of 12,280 in 2010*
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*Population count does not include non-resident college students, estimated to total 3,000 additional residents
between mid-August and mid-May of each year
Population was 50.5% Female and 49.5% Male in 2009
6.6% of persons were foreign-born
26.9% speak a language other than English at home
Age Structure of Portales Population
Racial and Ethnic Composition of Portales Population
Socio-economic data
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Per capita personal income was $16,281 in 2009
Median Household Income was $33,167 in 2009
Housing ownership rate was 61.6% in 2009
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Median Value of owner-occupied housing unit was $82,700 in 2009
Rental Vacancy Rate was 3.2% in 2010 (survey of 23% rental units)
Persons below the poverty level were 22.1% in 2010
Labor Force
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The Portales labor market area includes Curry and Roosevelt Counties in New Mexico and Parmer and Bailey
Counties in Texas. The total labor availability in the four counties was over 32,000 people in 2011.
In August of 2011, the civilian labor force of Roosevelt County was 8,728 people, and 8,287 of these people
were employed.
The Unemployment Rate in Roosevelt County was 5.1% in August of 2011, compared with 6.6% in New
Mexico and 9.1% in the United States.
Average wage in Roosevelt County in 2010 was $14.78 per hour compared with $20.43 per hour statewide.
2010 Jobs and Wages by Largest Economic Sector in Roosevelt County (EMSI Q4 2010)
Rank
1
2
3
4
Sector
Jobs
Earnings
($1,000)
$109,692
$50,625
$24,280
$18,324
Average
Earnings (yr)
$48,000
$36,000
$27,000
$30,000
Government*
2,267
Agriculture
1,405
Retail Trade
909
Health Care and Social
620
Assistance
5
Accommodation and Food 560
$7,960
$14,000
Service
6
Transportation and
521
$25,234
$48,000
Warehousing
7
Manufacturing
435
$19,328
$44,000
8
Construction
388
$13,828
$36,000
9
Non-Govt. Services
339
$8,131
$24,000
10
Real Estate Rental and
289
$5,174
$18,000
Leasing Services
*Government sector includes employees of Eastern New Mexico University, the largest single employer in
Roosevelt County with over 700 full time and 700 part-time employees
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Top 10 non-government administration employers include:
1. Eastern New Mexico University
2. Walmart Corporation
3. Portales Municipal Schools
4. Sunland Inc.
5. Western Dairy Transport LLC
6. DairiConcepts Inc.
7. Southwest Canners Inc.
8. Roosevelt General Hospital
9. Abengoa Bioenergy USA
10. Russell’s SuperSave
Major cooperative organizations include the Dairy Farmers of America, Roosevelt County Electrical
Cooperative, Roosevelt County Water Co-op
The local population includes members of the Teamsters Union and American Federation of State, County and
Municipal Employees (AFSCME), representing industrial, transportation, and government workers. Although
New Mexico is not a right-to-work state, there are no union headquarters Roosevelt County
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Educational Attainment
Among adults over 25 years of Age in Portales, NM 2009
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Portales High School graduated 166 students in 2011. The graduation rate was 73%, and student/teacher ratio
was 18:1
Dora Municipal Schools graduated 32 students in 2011. The graduation rate was 97%, and student/teacher ratio
was 11:1
Elida Municipal Schools graduated 11 students in 2011. The graduation rate was 95% and student/teacher ratio
was 9:1
Floyd Municipal Schools graduated 23 students in 2011. The graduation rate was 92% and the student/teacher
ratio was 12:1
Educational Resources
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Portales Municipal Schools offers well-rounded education including special education, dual languages, and
university transfer programs for high-schoolers as well as several occupational preparatory programs.
Eastern New Mexico University, the state’s third largest public university, offers four year degrees in a variety
of areas including nursing, teaching, liberal arts, communications and broadcasting, agricultural sciences,
business, archaeology and other programs. The school is known for its personal focus on student success.
Nearby Clovis Community College in Clovis offers transfer courses, associate degrees, and
industrial/occupational certificate programs in diverse areas such as medical assistant, cosmetology, and
industrial sciences.
Health Care
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Roosevelt General Hospital is a 30 bed fully-accredited Level Four Trauma Care facility with 24 hour
emergency service, as well as full surgical and diagnostic facilities and 30 minute medevac service to worldclass Texas Tech Medical Center in nearby Lubbock, TX
La Casa de Buena Salud offers a variety of clinical services including medical, psychological, and dental
services, and is fully bi-lingual in English and Spanish
The Portales Clinic offers low-cost walk-in services to those with or without insurance
Dr. Joel Sievers (professional sports rehabilitation) and Peter Thompson DDS (cosmetic dentistry) are two of the
best-recognized and highly rated medical professionals in Eastern New Mexico and West Texas.
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Portales Quick Care is a new family clinic operated by local physician Burt Wofford.
Transportation
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Portales Municipal Airport offers a 5,500 foot runway and 24 hour fueling service.
Lubbock Preston Smith Airport offers over a dozen direct daily flights to Albuquerque, Austin, Dallas, El Paso,
Houston and Oklahoma City. The airport is located 95 miles southeast of Portales via NM Highway 202 and US
Highway 84
Rail freight service and ample rail spur is provided via Southwest Railroad along a 20 mile spur of the
Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Coast-to-Coast line connecting in nearby Clovis, NM
Roosevelt County is bisected northeast to southwest by US Highway 70 which connects Eastern Arizona with
North Carolina.
New Mexico Highway 202 connects Portales to the nearby city of Lubbock, Texas, population 265,000, located
105 miles to the east of Portales
Interstate Highway 40 at San Jon, NM is located 77 miles north of Portales
Interstate Highway 20 at Monahans, TX is located 198 miles south of Portales
Interstate 10 at Van Horn, TX is located 280 miles south of Portales
The International Port of El Paso/Juarez is located 313 miles south of Portales
Utilities (list providers with capacity and cost information)
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Electricity in the city limits is provided by Xcel Energy, Inc. Electricity in the non-incorporated area of
Roosevelt County is provided by the Roosevelt County Electrical Cooperative.
Xcel Energy provides up to 168 megawatts of electricity in the Eastern New Mexico region from a variety of
power plants including a new natural gas-fired facility located in nearby West Texas.
Xcel distributes 150 megawatts of wind energy from the San Juan Mesa Wind Farm located 25 miles south of
Portales.
Roosevelt County Electrical Cooperative provides up to 50 megawatts of electrical service throughout Roosevelt
County under agreements with several other cooperatives through providers of natural gas-fired and wind energy
Electrical rates in Roosevelt County vary between 5 cents per kilowatt hour to 10 cents, and are therefore among
the most competitive electrical rates in the southwestern USA for both home and business
Water, solid waste disposal, and wastewater disposal services within the city limits of Portales are provided by
the City of Portales
Water, solid waste, and wastewater providers in Roosevelt County vary, but the largest provider of rural water
service is the Roosevelt County Water Co-op
There is no landfill in Roosevelt County, and all solid waste is hauled to Curry County and disposed of there at a
retail cost of $27 per ton
Natural gas service is provided through New Mexico Gas Company and also directly through the Trans-Western
Gas Pipeline to the Portales Industrial Park, which is located 5 miles west of US Highway 70
Telecommunications land line providers include Century Link Inc. and Yucca Telecom. Wireless providers
include Plateau Telecom (local), Qwest, ATT, Sprint, Verizon, ClearTalk, and others.
The City of Portales, Village of Dora, Town of Elida, and Village of Floyd are entirely served by Category 6
fiber-optic cable located primarily in each alleyway. AS a result Internet bandwidth speeds of up to 20 megabits
per second are available from Yucca Telecom and Qwest Communications
Comcast Cable offers High Speed Bandwidth services (up to 7 mbps) in Portales
Yucca Telecom offers wireless Internet service with download speeds of up to 6 mbps to rural areas around
Portales
Eastern New Mexico University hosts a gateway to the New Mexico Supercomputer, the 30th largest computer in
the world in 2009, housed in Rio Rancho, NM. Two major Internet backbones traverse Roosevelt County, New
Mexico
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Housing
Portales, NM For Sale Pricing Statistics 2011
Median Portales, NM For Sale Price:$145,000
Studio For Sale Median Price:
n/a
1 Bedroom For Sale Median Price: $79,000
2 Bedroom For Sale Median Price: $41,300
3 Bedroom For Sale Median Price: $139,500
4 Bedroom For Sale Median Price: $189,000
Source: NAR
Single-family new house construction building permits in Portales***get county data
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2001: 12 buildings, average cost: $101,600
2002: 14 buildings, average cost: $131,200
2003: 29 buildings, average cost: $99,300
2004: 17 buildings, average cost: $115,700
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2005: 23 buildings, average cost: $137,200
2006: 38 buildings, average cost: $130,000
2007: 31 buildings, average cost: $139,500
2008: 48 buildings, average cost: $176,200
2009: 45 buildings, average cost: $149,100
2010: 51 buildings, average cost: $155,000
Geography and Climate
Roosevelt County, located at the southern edge of the Great Plains is 2,455 square miles in size with the highest
elevation in the county recorded at 4,354 feet above sea level. Weather in Roosevelt County is generally mild but
variable, with cool winters and warm summers. Average highs in July are 89 degrees Fahrenheit, and Average lows in
January are 26 degrees. The area receives average annual rainfall amounting to 18 inches, along with 14 inches of
average annual snowfall. Roosevelt County, at 1.5 million acres, is the same size as the state of Delaware and contains
some of the most productive farming, dairy, and ranching land in the United States. The largest urban center is Portales,
with a school year population of approximately 15,000 people, including over 4,000 university students attending
Eastern New Mexico University. Other population centers in Roosevelt County include the farming and ranching
communities of Elida, Dora, Floyd, Pep, Kenna and Causey.
History
Roosevelt County has a long history of human occupation, dating back to the ancient Paleo-Indian culture commonly
known as “Clovis Man”. Generally accepted by archeologists and anthropologists around the world as a benchmark for
the oldest culture to inhabit the New World, Clovis Man inhabited the region 11,000 years ago. The most famous sites of
Clovis Man are the Blackwater Draw Archaeological Site and Blackwater Draw Museum, both located several miles
north of Portales. The site and museum draw tourists, students and scientists from around the world to the Portales area.
In the mid-1500s, the Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his band of Conquistadors trekked through
the area and named it the “Llano Estacado”, or “Staked Plains”, a reference to the many tall yucca plants that dotted the
horizon. Around 1700, the Comanche Indian Tribe lived and hunted in the area, feeding on vast herds of buffalo that
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roamed the Great Plains. History records that the last members of the Comanche Tribe were captured in 1875, and Anglo
cattlemen and settlers began to populate the region. In the late 1800s, a well-known watering hole seven miles south of
Portales was named Portales Springs, and near this place, the settlers began setting up homes and ranches.
The first permanent Anglo settler in the area was a cattleman by the name of Doak Good, who lived near Portales
Springs. T. L. (George) Causey and his brothers established a ranch in the southern section of Roosevelt around the same
time. The Portales Springs were located on the historic old Fort Sumner Trail, which brought travelers from east to west.
The trail was an ideal trade route, and many merchants began to establish businesses and build store fronts. One of these
businessmen was Josh Morrison, who built a one-room store at Portales Springs in approximately 1897 and operated a
store out of his building until the railroad reached Portales in 1899. By 1909, Portales was a thriving frontier town and
cattle center on the open range, boasting seven hotels and a number of saloons.
Roosevelt County was formed February 28, 1903, named for President and Roughrider Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt.
Portales became the primary growth center and county seat of this expansive open range area, and several other
communities took root in the county including Elida, Floyd, Dora, Causey, Arch, Kenna, Lingo, Milnesand, Pep, and
Rogers. A pivotal event in the history of Roosevelt County was the founding of Eastern New Mexico University in
1934, which has since grown to become New Mexico’s third largest state university. Between the University, nearby
Cannon Air Force Base, and agricultural production, Portales and Roosevelt County experienced slow but steady growth
throughout the last half of the 20th Century. Today Portales is a thriving city of 15,000 people with a strong economy
based on government, higher education, agriculture and value-added food production. By 2005, Portales was producing
over $250 million in value-added agricultural products each year, and in 2007 Eastern New Mexico University’s student
population reached 4,000 for the first time.
Growth Centers / Population Hubs
Five population centers exist in Roosevelt County, including Causey, Dora, Elida, Floyd and Portales. Portales at over
15,000 is the dominant center, while the remainder is very small.
Village of Causey
The Village of Causey is located approximately 35 miles south of Portales. The 2010 census indicated a population of
104 residents in Causey with a potential for population growth, if affordable housing were available. The continued
growth and development of dairies in the county has increased the demand for housing but many dairy employees travel
across the border to Texas for affordable housing.
The increased presence of dairies is a positive economic stimulus for the area but the increased traffic on the secondary
arterials is placing strain on the existing infrastructure. It has been reported that New Mexico State Highway 114 was
built with chip seal in 1945 and needs widening and improved drainage to accommodate the increased heavy truck
traffic. A large part of Causey’s long- range economic development plans include road improvement.
Village of Dora
This rural community is located south of the City of Portales at the intersection of New Mexico State Highway 206 and
Highway 114. The 2010 census had Dora with a population of 133 residents. According to an income survey in 2004, the
population had declined to 130 residents, but has since recovered to 138. The Dora High School is known as a top-rated
school, and attracts students from as far away as Cannon Air Force Base. Dora is currently experiencing modest growth
due to a small influx of new residents seeking horse properties and good schools. The Dora General Store reopened in
2008. The Village of Dora is currently undergoing a community master planning process to develop infrastructure and
housing.
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Town of Elida
Elida is located on US Highway 70, southwest of the City of Portales, with a 2010 Census population of 197 people.
Elida is primarily a ranching and farming community, and also hosts one of the largest wind power installations in the
State of New Mexico. Southwest Wind Power, a joint venture between Xcel Energy and Mitsubishi Corporation operates
a 120 megawatt wind energy field on San Juan Mesa, several miles southwest of Elida. The center of Elida includes a
historic town square surrounded by mostly vacant turn-of-the-century buildings. Commercial businesses include a
convenience store, tire shop, two gas stations, a café and a hardware store. US Highway 70 is a major transportation
route between Clovis, Portales and Roswell, and several businesses in the town receive sales revenue from travelers on
US 70. In 2008, Elida began to hold a monthly flea market in an attempt to capture additional highway traffic.
Village of Floyd
The 2010 Census recorded a population of 133 residents in Floyd and today the population remains unchanged. The
Village of Floyd is a primarily a farming and ranching community that is 16 miles west of the City of Portales on
Highway 236.
City of Portales
Portales is located on the high plains of Eastern New Mexico in the heart of the Southwest’s vast and productive dairy
and cropland. The economic base of Portales is composed of higher education and government (26%) agriculture (20%),
visitors (12%), the service sector (9%), manufacturing (8%), and construction (8%) (source: EMSI). This balanced and
stable economic profile has resulted in strong and steady economic growth, without the “boom/bust” cycle prevalent in
many smaller communities in the southwest. Progressive city government has allowed Portales to grow in a quality
manner, and in 2006, Portales was ranked by Bizjournals.com among the top twenty small towns in the nation for quality
of life (15th among 577 communities surveyed), and 9th overall among small communities in the Western US (Source:
www.bizjournals.com). This ranking has helped to attract dozens of new residents over the past two years.
In 2002, Portales met the requirements of the State of New Mexico to become an officially “Certified Community” for
economic development purposes. The Certified Communities Initiative (CCI) was developed by the New Mexico
Economic Development Department in conjunction with the New Mexico Communities and Economic Development
Partners. Through this program, the City of Portales has formed a partnership with the Roosevelt County Community
Development Corporation to actively recruit and retain businesses in Portales, Roosevelt County, and the State of New
Mexico. The local economic development organization, known as the Roosevelt County Community Development
Corporation or RCCDC, is led by a nationally certified economic developer and provides confidential site analysis and
selection assistance, economic development project management, economic reporting, monitoring and referral.
The 2000 Census recorded a population in the City of Portales of 11,131. Eastern New Mexico University had 3,000
students at the time of the Census. In 2003, the United States Office of Management and Budget announced that the
Cities of Portales and Clovis would be given a new census designation. Together, these entities were identified as the
“Clovis-Portales Micropolitan Combined Statistical Area”. By 2008, the Portales population had grown to approximately
16,000 people including residents in the city and within a 10 minute drive time, and the 20 minute drive time population
was over 60,000 people. Portales maintains a younger population profile than other communities in the region, with a
higher percentage of residents in the 15-25 age range. This is due in part due to the presence of ENMU.
Education
In school year 2007-2008 the Portales school district recorded 1,640 students enrolled in elementary school, 424 students
enrolled in Junior High (grades 7 and 8) and 718 high school students with a 2008 high school graduating class of 155
students. Eastern New Mexico University reached a record enrollment of 4,200 students in 2008. Nearly one in three
Portales adults (32%) hold a post-secondary degree, marking a significantly higher level of educational attainment than
other communities in the region (Source: UNM BBER)
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The latest reports (2008) from the University of New Mexico’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBERS)
shows the following population and education statistics for Roosevelt County:
Civic Participation and Organizations
Portales has over 30 civic groups, and thirty-one churches serving various faiths. Recreational opportunities in the city
include a golf course, seven parks, swimming pools, tennis courts, playgrounds, soccer and baseball fields, youth
recreation programs, racquetball courts, health and fitness centers, two-screen movie cinema, rodeo grounds, local
musicians, and visiting entertainers and lecturers that pack an annual event schedule hosted by ENMU. The city of
Portales has a modern youth recreation center with a climbing wall, indoor hockey, games and structured play
opportunities for children eight and up. ENMU is home to Eastern New Mexico’s only university-level professional
Child Development Center staffed by trained professionals in early childhood education. Portales hosts several major
annual and seasonal events such as Heritage Days, Peanut Valley Festival, New Mexico Ag Expo, Junior Rodeo
Championships, and the annual Holiday of Lights parade. Oasis State Park, five miles north of Portales offers a
beautiful natural setting containing a fishing pond, jogging and hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas, campground and
picnic areas.
Health and Safety Services
Roosevelt County is served by Roosevelt General Hospital, a seven year old, 26 bed Level 4 Trauma Care facility with
seven doctors, 24 hour a day emergency room, and 30 minute medivac service to nearby Texas Tech Medical center in
Lubbock. La Casa de Buena Salud is a non-profit (501c3) community care facility in town, offering low-cost high
quality clinical care.
The Portales Police Department includes 23 certified officers. There are 17 marked and 6 unmarked mobile units. The
department has several specialized positions including two bicycle patrol officers, one gang unit leader, and one alcoholrelated-incident investigator. The City Police Department is the dispatch center for the city and county departments.
Roosevelt County is proud of their overall excellent public safety record as well as their new enhanced 911 area-wide
direct communications and aided dispatch system.
The Portales Fire Department has 18 full-time firefighters on a three-shift schedule. The EMS ambulance service
provides intermediate level services and paramedic services with four ambulance units with a response time of three
minutes within the city. Portales’ ISO Fire Rating is Class IV. The city has mutual aid agreements with six rural
departments and Cannon Air Force Base Fire Departments that provide volunteer fire and EMS services in the County.
Economic Infrastructure
Portales offers a well-balanced portfolio of community infrastructure to support its growing agri-industry, higher
education, bio-energy and professional services sectors. Eastern New Mexico University is the largest employer in
Roosevelt County, with over 700 full-time staff and faculty and another 700 part-time or student employees. The
availability of educated workers with expertise in over 60 degree disciplines is a major asset to the Portales business
community.
In 1962, a group of Portales community leaders formed a corporation to develop an industrial park south of town. The
first tenant was a Coca Cola bottling plant, which today under the banner of Southwest Canners produces and distributes
the majority of Coca Cola’s popular energy drinks west of the Mississippi. Other major companies in the park today
include DairiConcepts (powdered milk), Western Dairy Transport (refrigerated trucking), and Abengoa Bioenergy (grain
ethanol). The Industrial Park and Portales Municipal Airport together offer 450 plus acres of prime industrial property
with excellent infrastructure.
The Portales Industrial Park is served by a rail switch and developed siding of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway.
The park offers immediate access to US Highway 70 and the Portales Municipal Airport. Electrical service is provided
by the Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative, which operates a redundant grid of sufficient capacity to serve several
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additional large industrial plants. Over one million gallons per day of usable waste water is produced at the park and
available for use. The City of Portales provides water and sewer connections to the Portales Industrial Park. The park is
served by two redundant water lines. A new sewer plant is under design for construction in 2011, and will incorporate
water reuse.
Downtown Portales contains 80% of the professional service businesses in Roosevelt County, including legal,
accounting, and insurance businesses, government offices, utility headquarters, court facilities, and other infrastructure to
serve the needs of businesses and citizens of Roosevelt County.
Eastern New Mexico University, the largest single employer in Portales, produces a steady stream of educated college
graduates with four- year degrees, Masters Degrees and PhDs in over 60 disciplines ranging from early childhood
education, secondary education, theater, pre-medical, agriculture, biology and business administration. ENMU also
offers an international exchange student program as well as a strong distance learning program for rural areas
surrounding Portales.
Portales is completely hard wired with Category 6 (CAT6) fiber-optic cable within the city limits. This available
infrastructure and the services it provides are a huge benefit to companies and individuals looking to locate businesses in
Portales. Portales is a regional banking center of significant wealth gained from local agri-business and related industry.
Portales’ banking infrastructure contains billions of dollars of ready capital from several national and local/regional
institutions, including Well Fargo, First Community Bank, New Mexico Bank and Trust, and Portales National Bank,
among others.
Economic Generators
Agriculture
Roosevelt County is a strong agri-business center with more than 453,670 acres of cultivated cropland and 1,082,360
acres of rangeland, as well as several major processors of peanuts, milk, grains and feed products. Roosevelt County
leads New Mexico counties in the production of peanuts, with over 23 million pounds produced in 2006. Roosevelt
County ranks third in corn grain and corn silage. Roosevelt County is the second largest milk production county in New
Mexico, and one of the top 20 in the US. According to 2006 New Mexico Agricultural Statistics publication Roosevelt
County ranked fourth in the state in cash receipts for all farm commodities sales with over $298 million dollars in cash
receipts. There are a total of 804 farms with an average size of 1,867 acres and a net income of $51,731 per farm. Cash
receipts from all livestock for 2006 in Roosevelt County totaled over $254 million dollars.
Agricultural Valued Added Products
Roosevelt County is a strong and growing national center for value-added agric-business. In 1973, 20 acres of land were
granted to the Coca Cola Corporation, and today Southwest Canners ships over 17 million cases of popular energy
drinks from the Portales Industrial Park to seven western states. In the early 1990s, Mid-America dairies established an
industrial site in the park, and today DairiConcepts, a partnership between the Dairy Farmers of America and Fonterra of
New Zealand operates the largest US plant producing milk protein concentrate (MPC) in the same location. MPC is a
key ingredient in sports bars, baby formulas and other milk-based products. DairiConcepts has just completed a fourth
expansion of their facilities at a cost of $17 Million, and is expanding again. A sorghum-based ethanol plant was
established in the park in the late 1980s, and now produces over 30 million gallons per year of non-corn-based ethanol
under the banner of Spanish energy giant Abengoa Bioenergy USA.
The Portales Industrial Park today is combined with the Portales Airpark to offer several hundred acres of build-to-suit
property with direct rail and highway access. Water, sewer, and electrical service is available to the property, and waste
heat and wastewater are ample to support additional growth. Land in the Portales Industrial Park will be developed to
suit, and is controlled by the Roosevelt County Community Development Corporation (RCCDC).
Just north of Portales, the 200,000 square foot Sunland Valencia Peanut plant produces over 7,000 pounds of quality
Valencia Peanut Butter per hour and is the largest producer of Certified Organic peanut butter in the US, and possibly
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the world. Sunland also produces peanuts for export to several foreign countries. Nearby Hampton Farms Peanuts
produces 100% of the official ball park peanuts consumed in baseball stadiums throughout the USA. A cadre of dairy
construction companies and tractor equipment dealers compliment the Portales business infrastructure. In 2008, New
Mexico Machinery Inc. opened a $3 million Kubota and McCormick tractor dealer and repair facility across from Super
Wal-Mart in north Portales.
Alternative Energy Production
Portales is home to New Mexico’s only operating ethanol plant. This plant operates on grain sorghum, not the more
expensive and water usage intensive corn. Abengoa Bioenergy USA operates a 30 million gallon per year plant at the
northern end of the Portales Industrial Park. Research conducted locally in cooperation with the USDA and New
Mexico State University has determined that sufficient land and feedstock exists in Roosevelt and surrounding counties
to operate at least two additional biomass fuel plants of the same capacity. Aside from Sorghum, other available
feedstock includes various agricultural waste products such as peanut hulls and cotton burrs, and any number of potential
crops such as kanaff and other non-food based products that could grow in dry land conditions.
San Juan Mesa near Elida, south of Portales hosts over 140 wind generators producing over 120 Megawatts of wind
power in a partnership between Xcel Energy and Mitsubishi Corporation. The current production in Roosevelt County is
enough to power over 40,000 homes. Additional wind generation leases are expected to bring a minimum of another 200
Megawatts to Roosevelt County in the next decade, with the only limiting factor being transmission capacity. Portales
and Roosevelt County are located in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), and discussions of wind generation transmission
improvements are ongoing with key players such as Xcel Energy.
Higher Education and Government
Another major economic generator in Roosevelt County is higher education and government. Eastern New Mexico
University is the largest employer in Roosevelt County with 704 full-time staff and faculty and another 700 student and
part-time employees. It is also the third largest university in New Mexico, and generates tens of millions of dollars into
the local economy each year. The Portales Municipal Schools employ 375 employees. Local, county, state and federal
government contributed $127 million in revenue to Roosevelt County in 2002 (Source: US Census).
Light Manufacturing
Most light manufacturing in Portales is related to agricultural equipment and food-related, including agricultural
machinery and equipment, dairy construction, and truck equipment, milk solids, grains, nuts and peanut butter. Portales
is experiencing steady growth in these areas, with revenue up over 20% in a five year period to over $300 million per
year in 2008. All of these are commodities produced for national distribution and export. A majority of the remaining
light manufacturing activity in Portales is related to the dairy and farm industries, with several major dairy construction
and agricultural equipment firms generating over $50 million per year in revenues.
Military Installation
Portales is located within an easy 12 mile drive from the commercial South Gate of Cannon Air Force Base. There are
150 Cannon Air Force Base personnel housing units located in South Portales. These airmen and their families qualify
for a program designated as 801 Housing. Since late 2007, Portales has experienced a gradual influx of Cannon Air
Force Base families moving into the 801 Housing development at Cannon Meadows, which gives the airmen the option
of renting or purchasing homes in the community. With the official service member population expected to triple in the
next four years, Portales will continue to attract mostly family-oriented service members and their spouses and children
who are looking for a small university town environment. Portales is also just beginning to attract interest from military
contractors seeking a base from which to expand production of goods and services specific to Cannon.
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Retail Hub
Portales is undergoing a slow but steady increase in retail activity, including the expansion and new opening of locallyowned businesses which provide significant direct economic return to the community. The largest retail volumes are in
agricultural equipment, vehicles, hardware, furniture, and restaurants. Several national retail chains have expanded in
Portales, including True Value Hardware, Ashley Furniture, Holiday Inn Express, Burger King, and Papa Murphy’s.
Portales is now “on the radar” as a standalone retail market approaching a market size of 20,000 people, and so
additional national chains are beginning to target some of the best US Highway 70 sites for development. Robust local
markets exist for several larger food establishments, lodging, and family-oriented retail and entertainment. The City of
Portales through the Roosevelt County Community Development Corporation offers generous incentives to specified
retailers based on sustainable job creation. ENMU offers a Restaurant, Lodging and Tourism program that assists
Portales in attracting retail activity by providing a ready source of educated/trained staff.
Portales Main Street Program
Portales has been involved since 1995 in the New Mexico Main Street Program, and is a certified Main Street
Community. The purpose of the program is to stimulate the redevelopment of downtowns through improvements in the
visual appearance of aging structures; the addition of trees, benches, lighting; the upgrade of pedestrian pathways and the
evaluation of the vehicular access. Historically, the platting of Portales was designed around the courthouse square and
this area remains the hub of the community. Today, downtown contains a growing number of retail shops, state and local
governmental offices, arts-related enterprises such as galleries and dance studio, fitness facilities, and restaurants
catering to the local lunch crowd. The city recognized the special character that the area holds for the community and
the urgent need for revitalization. A public/private partnership was established between the city, state, and private sector
to participate in the Main Street Program. Since that time, many volunteers have donated hundreds of hours in time to
ensure the success of the program and to keep the heart of Portales vibrant. Recently, city and elected officials have
designated a special zoning district for downtown, and will continue to support the effort and future success of
revitalization and reuse.
Tourism
Over 12% of the economic base of Roosevelt County is attributed to visitors (EMSI). While a majority of these visits
are likely business-related due to the presence of ENMU and a number of significant agri-business and transportation
facilities, the revenue generated from the tourism industry is starting to be more evident. Eastern New Mexico University
is a major center for culture, the arts, and sports in the area. From an economic development perspective, events
associated with the arts and culture increasingly bring people into the community, thus stimulating the hospitality-related
industry.
Portales Main Street Program
Portales Main Street is a non-profit organization of downtown employers who is actively seeking the revitalization of
downtown Portales after 5 PM. Portales already offers an active “9 to 5” environment for government and professional
services workers, shoppers and others looking for utility payment, post office, court records, health clubs, doctors and
dentist offices, clothing and gift stores, and a growing number of arts-related businesses such as galleries, frame shop
and photo studio. Portales Main Street operates a façade grant program, holds several annual fundraisers including two
wine festivals, and holds a significant portfolio of real estate available for downtown developers. As a result of the
efforts of Portales Main Street, several new businesses per year are moving into downtown Portales each year and
several existing businesses are currently expanding or have expanded in the downtown area. Portales Main Street is a
state-certified Arts and Cultural District candidate and is awaiting future funding to become fully-certified. Over 1.4
million will be spent in revitalization of the Historic Yam Theater and the Roosevelt County Court House Square in
2009-2010.
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Certified Communities Initiative Program
The State of New Mexico’s Certified Communities Initiative (CCI) encourages and supports New Mexico communities
in their efforts to create new jobs through business development. The initiative emphasizes the importance of
recruitment, as well as retention/expansion, and startup activities for businesses. The program recognizes the character
and needs of each community are diverse and each entity will determine how these methods might be used to create new
job opportunities. CCI assists those communities that are interested in taking control of their future. The initiative seeks
communities, like the City of Portales who can demonstrate active local involvement, an ability to empower their
citizens, build on existing resources, and expand their capacity to facilitate economic growth. Portales is an active CCI
member and the Roosevelt County Community Development Corporation recently hired a nationally-certified economic
developer to lead the local economic development efforts.
Industrial Park
In 1962, a group of Portales community leaders formed a corporation to develop an industrial park south of town.
Present tenets include Southwest Canners, DariConcepts, Western Dairy Transport, and Abengoa Bioenergy. The
Industrial Park and Portales Municipal Airport together offer 450 plus acres of prime industrial property with excellent
infrastructure.
The Portales Industrial Park is served by two rail switches and one developed siding of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe
railway. All sites provide immediate access to US Highway 70 and the Portales Municipal Airport. Electrical service is
provided by the Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative, which operates a redundant grid of sufficient capacity to serve
several additional large industrial plants beyond existing users in 2008. The City of Portales provides water and sewer
connections to the Portales Industrial Park. By December 2008, the park will be served by two redundant water lines. A
new sewer plant is under design for construction in 2011, and will incorporate water reuse. Existing park tenants
produce one million gallons per day of reusable waste water as well as significant volumes of waste heat.
Roosevelt County is a strong and growing national center for value-added agri-business.
The Portales Industrial Park today is combined with the Portales Airpark to offer several hundred acres of build-to-suit
property with direct rail and highway access. Water, sewer, and electrical service is available to the property, and waste
heat and wastewater are ample to support additional growth. Land in the Portales Industrial Park will be developed to
suit, and is controlled by the Roosevelt County Community Development Corporation (RCCDC).
Agricultural Valued Added Products
Agri-business is a large, stable and growing industry segment in Roosevelt County. Southwest Canners ships over 17
million cases of popular energy drinks from the Portales Industrial Park to seven western states. In the early 1990s, MidAmerica dairies established an industrial site in the park, and today DairiConcepts of New Zealand operates the largest
US plant producing milk protein concentrate (MPC) in the same location. MPC is a key ingredient in sports bars, baby
formulas and other products. DairiConcepts has just completed a fourth expansion of their facilities at a cost of $17
Million. A sorghum-based ethanol plant was established in the park in the late 1980s, and now produces over 30 million
gallons per year of non-corn-based ethanol under the banner of Spanish energy giant Abengoa SA, USA.
North of Portales, the 200,000 square foot Sunland Valencia Peanut plant churns out 7,500 lbs. per hour of high quality
Valencia peanut butter, as well as peanuts for export. Sunland is the largest producer of Certified Organic peanut butter
in the US, and possibly the world. Nearby Hampton farms peanuts produces 100% of the official ball park peanuts
consumed in baseball stadiums throughout the USA. A cadre of dairy construction companies and tractor and equipment
dealers round the north Portales business infrastructure. In 2008, New Mexico Machinery Inc. opened a $3 million
Kubota and McCormick tractor dealer and repair facility across from Super Wal-Mart in North Portales.
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Business Expansions
The number of business establishments and the number of employees has grown steadily over the past decade at a rate of
approximately 1% per year, while the annual payroll has increased more dramatically. Sunland Valencia Peanuts has
nearly doubled output in five years to $40 million per year, and now employs
Portales continues to expand as one of the most productive and fastest growing food and dairy processing and exporting
centers in the nation, and Eastern New Mexico University in Portales is now the third largest state university, with 4,200
full time students. Major businesses expanding in Portales since 2003 include Ashley’s Furniture Center, DairiConcepts,
New Mexico Machinery Inc., Sunland Peanuts, and Western Dairy Transport. Portales is a strong retail center for “big
ticket” purchases such as autos, furniture, appliances, and agricultural and ranch equipment and supplies. Segments such
as food and accommodations, clothing and accessories are being courted as strong opportunities exist in Portales to
expand supply in these areas to meet growing demand. Food service is projected to be one of the fastest-growing
segments of the Portales retail economy through 2015 (EMSI).
Physical Infrastructure
Housing
Roosevelt County contained 7,746 units of housing in 2000, growing to approximately 8,300 units by 2008. In 2005,
local realtors estimated that there were 100-200 homes for sale in the Portales area, which includes Roosevelt County.
MLS data in 2007 showed that average home prices were in the $130,000 range, with actual prices ranging from $60,000
to over $200,000. In 2008, MLS data showed that more homes were being listed and sold in the above $200,000
category (Source: MLS). New subdivisions include 52 unit Territorial Estates on the southwest side of the community
and Oakwood Manor Estates, a 50 unit subdivision on the southeast side of Portales. Fox Trail Estates is a multi-family
condominium rental community located in South Portales with median rents of $800 for a luxury two bedroom-two bath
home. Demand exceeds supply in the Portales rental market.
The development of new affordable housing is a concern throughout the region, and Portales is no exception.
Affordable housing in Portales is available in the range of $70,000, for a smaller home needing minor repairs, and $500
per month for a modest two bedroom apartment or home. State, county, regional, and city agencies charged with
assisting the citizens of Roosevelt County in the area of housing needs are assisting but, as with all agencies in an
uncertain economy, they are under considerable strain in regard to budgets and personnel limits. Needs in Roosevelt
County include low income housing subsidies, affordable housing development, and weatherization assistance.
Telecommunications
Roosevelt County’s telephone service and Internet service is provided by CenturyLink formally Qwest Communications,
Yucca Telecom, and Roosevelt County Rural Telephone Cooperative. The City of Portales is served by the fastest
category 6 (CAT6) fiber ring in Eastern New Mexico. Completed in 2008 by Yucca Telecom, Portales residents can
enjoy data transmission speeds of up to 20 megabits per second. Qwest Communications currently offers residential
service within the Portales City Limits at up to 7 megabits per second, robust enough for simultaneous video steaming
from several sources.
Transportation
Highways and Major Arterials
U.S. Highway 70, and Mew Mexico State Roads 202, 206, 236, and 467 serve Portales. U.S. 70 has been upgraded to a
4-lane highway west through the state. NM 202 continues to be upgraded by the NMDOT providing faster service to
Lubbock and the Texas Panhandle.
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Air Service
Portales Municipal Airport offers two runways with the longest having a paved surface of 5,500 feet, full lighting and
radio facilities. The Portales Municipal Airport offers 24/7 fueling and a free loaner vehicle, 21 hangars for rent, Wi-fi,
plane repairs, inspections, and a 24- hour pilot lounge. There are charter and private facilities at the airport, as well as
helicopter and crop-dusting service. All grades of fuel are available. Air- freight carriers that service the city are
Airborne and UPS. The parcel service includes UPS, Bus, Airborne, and Federal Express. In 2002, the Portales
Municipal Airport was named the FAA Southwestern Regional Airport of the Year.
Commercial Air Carrier Service is available through several airports within a two-hour drive of Portales. Lubbock’s
International Airport, 90 miles from Portales, offers a full range of connecting flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International
Airport, as well as direct service to Albuquerque International Airport, McCarron International in Las Vegas, Nevada
and other destinations. Amarillo Airport is within a two-hour drive of Portales and offers a smaller selection of national
carriers while the Roswell, New Mexico Airport (one hour and 15 minute drive time from Portales) offers 3 round trip
flights to the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport daily and the Clovis Airport (20 minute drive from Portales) offers 3 round trip
flights to Albuquerque daily.
Railroad
Portales is strategically located on a nearby spur of the east-west line of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
(BNSF) with piggyback service to Amarillo, 110 miles to the northeast. The Portales line connects at Clovis 20 miles to
the north and extends southward into the Permian Basin region surrounding Roswell and Artesia. This route runs parallel
to US 70 through Roosevelt County and on to Roswell. Several trains a day pick up and drop off approximately 20 cars
of bio-fuel, grains, and other products at several sidings located in the city of Portales and at the Portales Industrial Park.
Utilities:
Electric and Gas
Xcel Energy, the Roosevelt County Electric Cooperative Inc. and the Valley Electric Company provide electricity to the
Roosevelt County. Gas is supplied through PNM and Nu Star Energy Company to the county.
Wastewater and Storm Drainage
The City of Portales operates a 2.5 million gallon wastewater treatment plant and is planning a new $16 million plant for
2010. Reuse will be built into this new facility. Up to $2 million gallons of secondarily treated wastewater are available
for new industry. The issue of storm drainage and occasional surface runoff are concerns for the City of Portales and
other rural communities in Roosevelt County. Due to the flat terrain and minimal changes in the slope/grade, some areas
are prone to brief surface flooding during summer monsoon storms.
Water
Portales operates a number of well fields located in the sand hills north of the city in the Portales Underground Water
Basin. The water supply system has three storage tanks with a capacity of 3,000,000 gallons, and 20 wells that produce
an average of 4,050,000 gallons per day. Mining of the Portales Underground Water Basin has led to an increase in the
number of production wells and expansion of the collection system to sustain its present production rate. Conservation
programs are also underway to slow the rate of depletion. For example, over 1.5 million gallons of wastewater is
available and being targeted for reuse in Portales area farms, landscaping, and new industrial plants.
The communities of Portales and Elida are members of the Eastern Plains Rural Water Authority (ENMRWA), which is
planning a water distribution and supply system to several east-central New Mexico communities. This project is known
as the Ute Water Project, with the intended purpose of providing a sustainable water supply to the area. The Ute Project
will utilize water from the Ute Reservoir, on the Canadian River, which is located near Logan, New Mexico. Federal
authorization for initial funding to begin planning the Ute Pipeline project has been adopted, but long-term funding for
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the entire project is still years away, and so Portales is choosing to pursue more immediate water conservation and reuse
projects.
Elida is located in an area where the High Plains Aquifer is discontinuous. The water supply system includes three
storage tanks with a capacity of 200,087 gallons and three wells, located about ten miles away, that produce from 5 gpm
to 35 gpm. The average daily production is 72,000 gallons per day. Elida applied for CDBG funding to secure water
rights and to update water systems. Dora is also located near a discontinuous part of the High Plains Aquifer. Its system
consists of two storage tanks with a capacity of 65,000 gallons and two wells, located about 7 miles south, that produce
an average of 23,694 gallons per day.
Causey has two storage tanks with a capacity of 39,500 gallons and two wells that produce an average of 35,000 gallons
per day. Floyd has a storage tank and well that produces an average of 12,000 gallons per day. The village has used
CDBG monies to improve their water system.
Solid Waste
Solid Waste is currently hauled from Portales to a landfill in adjacent Curry County, owned and operated by the City of
Clovis.
Alternative Energy Resources
Xcel Energy Inc. has contracted with Padoma Wind Power LLC of La Jolla, Calif., to purchase all the electricity from
Padoma’s San Juan Mesa Wind Project near Elida. Electricity produced by the project is being sold to Southwestern
Public Service, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, under a 20-year power purchase agreement. When fully operational the
wind farm has the capacity of generating over 120 megawatts. Other alternative and renewable energy sources for the
region are under consideration including solar thermal power, solar power, ground source heat pumps, biomass digesters,
and hybrid systems.
Roosevelt County and incorporated communities within Roosevelt County participate in the Infrastructure Capital
Improvement Plan process. The ICIP process was developed and started by the State of New Mexico Department of
Finance and Administration to provide effective oversight of fiscal practices through service, guidance, and consistent
enforcement and to promote fiscal responsibility, efficiency, and effectiveness in New Mexico’s budget and policy
development. This information is provided to state legislators and other state officials for use in prioritizing needs and
funding requests.
Section IX: Union County
Clayton, New Mexico
Union County
Clayton New Mexico is central to the Ports to Plains traffic and commerce highway program. The Ports to Plains
coalition of communities is working collectively and actively to promote industry and development along the NorthSouth Corridor of highways from Laredo Texas, Mexico to the oil sands of Calgary Canada. The Ports to Plains
initiative involves improving the highways along this corridor by increasing lanes for heavy commerce. The heartland of
the United States in terms of Agriculture and alternative energy is traversed by the Ports to Plains highway project.
Clayton New Mexico falls right in the middle of that project. We are central to I-25 running north, I-40 running east and
west. We fall on the crossroads of highways 87 and 56 with direct access to I-40 and I-25. Our town is quaint and
business friendly with many environmental wonders. Although we are rural and agricultural in nature, we are poised for
economic development in wind, solar and biofuels. We have a planned industrial park of over 1200 acres available for
production, storage facilities, or perhaps being an intermediary in assembly and shipping. The town has 2500 residents,
but being so centrally located in the shipping and transportation business, is bustling. Our Historic “Old West’ Style and
warmth draws both young and old to our local. Local tourist locations abound. Fishing and hunting are excellent. We are
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just far enough from metropolitan centers to be quaint, but just close enough for international travel and larger scale
shopping , if required.
Geography and Climate
The county size is 3,830 sq. miles and the average elevation of the county is 4,970 ft. The average annual rainfall is 15
inches and the high temperatures are in the 70’s and the lows in the 30’s. The county consists of four main communities;
Clayton, Des Moines, Folsom, and Grenville.
Land use in the County is 93% grazing, croplands include 64,477 irrigated acres, 31,739 dry land acres and commercial
timber utilizes 17,122 acres. There are 59,440 acres of federal land; 57,542 acres of forest service land, and 740 acres of
National Parks land with a remaining 1,933,360 acres of privately owned land.
History
Due to its location in the northeast corner of the State, Union County has had both the advantages and disadvantages of
being on the path of explorer’s routes, invading Indians, and later on the Santa Fe Trail. After the Indian threat was
reduced, the cattlemen and sheep men took over the grasslands and began inhabiting the plains. Large ranches were
established in parts of the county, and in 1885, the cattle companies controlled northeastern New Mexico. With the
advent of the railroad came the development of the Town of Clayton in 1887. Cattle became king, and the Town of
Clayton developed into a major cattle-shipping area.
Other communities established in the late 1800s were Capulin Mountain, Mount Dora, Gladstone and Clapham Valley.
Most early communities provided mail service, had small stores, and were able to meet the needs of the livestock
industry. At the turn of the century, homesteaders moved into the county, which helped to establish small farming
communities. Farming did not prove successful due to the lack of water because surface water was limited and rain was
undependable. The first attempts at dry land farming were at Sedan, Seneca, Sofia, Centerville and a host of others, but
by the mid-century, few of the small communities were still alive.
Historians say the county was named Union for two reasons. First, a “union” of people desired to form a new local
government and second, the county was formed, or “united,” from parts of three other counties. Union County was
formally organized on February 23, 1893, when portions of San Miguel, Mora and Colfax counties were taken to form
the county. The boundaries were changed in 1903 when the southern portion of Union County was used in the creation
of Quay County. Other changes came in 1907 and 1921, when Quay County was enlarged and Harding County was
formed.
The first courthouse was built in 1894. The brick structure was very impressive, with a mixture of gables, hip roof ,
arched windows and a corner arch entrance. Incidentally, the hanging of outlaw Black Jack Ketchum took place at the
first courthouse. On October 18,1908, a tornado destroyed the original courthouse and a new courthouse was constructed
in 1909.
While Union County has remained primarily a ranching area since it was first settled, significant changes have occurred
in population demographics and the economy. The population has fallen from 14,221 (1920 Census) to 4,470 (2006
BBERS of UNM). Union County now has the fourth smallest population of New Mexico’s 33 counties. Major events in
our history have contributed to the population decline, such as the impact of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression of
the 1930s which drove most homesteaders from their farms. Another historical event that soon followed was the
American Industrial Revolution , which increased automated production with the use of machines in the cattle industry
that led to fewer cattle hands being needed for ranching and related industries. A true American Icon, the cowboy, had to
learn how to adapt to other ways of life or become extinct. The use of more effective and efficient irrigation, farming
began to grow again in the 1950s. The acreage being irrigated continued to grow from 1972 through 1984, while the
number of acres of dry land farming decreased. In recent years the number of acres of irrigated and dry land farming has
remained constant.
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Location
Clayton is located in the Northeastern Corner of New Mexico, about 80 miles south of the Colorado border, 12 miles
from the Oklahoma Panhandle and 10 Miles from the Texas panhandle, and only 100 miles from Kansas, located
strategically in the “5 States” area. (Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado)
Mileage to major cities/markets
Albuquerque NM 272
Amarillo Tx 120
Denver Co
301
Colorado Springs CO 231
Dallas TX
497
Kansas City Ka 557
Oklahoma City OK 395
Population Data:
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Community : 2150
County:4549
MSA (if your community is part of a MSA)
Community and county population by:
o Age group with median age: 36.9 years
o
o
Gender: 49.2% male, 50.8 female
Race and ethnicity:
White 67
Black 7.5
American Indian or Alaskan Native 3.9
Asian 0.0
Native Islander, Hawaiian 0.0
Hispanic or Latino 53.2
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Socio-economic data:
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Per capita personal income : $17,188
Effective buying income (household income) $34,976
Housing occupancy and vacancy
Owner occupied housing units 68.9%
Renter Occupied housing units 31.1 %
Vacant Housing Units
25.5%
Labor Force:
Describe your labor force area, i.e. one county, multiple counties, or by radius (commuting distance).
The labor force of Clayton actually could involve 5 states, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Union County and Texas
Panhandle. A 60 mile (1 hour commute) would put you into any one of the 5 states. We (Clayton and Union County)
have a low unemployment rate (around 3%), but still have access to many interested workers in the 5 states surrounding
area.
Provide the population of your labor force:
 Total – employed and unemployed (compared with state – DWS) 1669

Labor force participation (Census)110 unemployed 1559 employed

By age group (Census)
16-19 years
20-24 years
25-44 years
45-54 years
55-64 years
65-74 years
75 and over

51.4% unemployed
10.1% unemployed
2.3% unemployed
6.6% unemployed
6.3% unemployed
85% unemployed
85% unemployed
Employment by industry with average or median wages (DWS-QCEW data)
Agricultural, forestry, fishing, hunting, mining…………………………23,000
Construction …..………………………………………… ……………23,300
Manufacturing ………………………………………………… ……….73, 043
Wholesale trade………………….…………………………… ……….31, 667
Retail trade………………………………..…………………… ………17,930
Transportation, warehousing and Utilities………………………………43,958
Utilities………………………………………………………… ………42,917
Finance, Insurance, Real estate and rental……….……………………..19,922
Real estate Rental and Leasing………………………………… ……..18,984
Educational and Health Care and Social Services……………… ……..38,333
Health care and social assistance……………………………………….39, 306
Arts, entertainment and recreation, accommodation and food.27, 031
Public Administration…………………………………………… ….. 26,250
Employment by occupation with average or median wages (DWS)
Management, professional and related occupations ………………….33, 000
Management Business and Financial occupations…………………….34, 688
Management Occupations……………………………………………..32,241
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Business and Financial Operations………………………………… .46, 458
Professional and related occupations …………………………………27, 000
Community and social services……………………………………… 27, 250
Education, Training and Library………………………………………16,979
Healthcare practitioner and technical…………………………………33, 542
Health Diagnosing and treating practitioners and other technical ……17083
Health Technologists and Technicians……………………………… 33,750
Health care support ………………………………………………… ..2596
Protective Services…………………………………………………….27308
Fire Fighting, prevention……………………….…………………… 25,156
Law enforcement ……………………………………………………..36,806
Food preparation…………………………………………………… .18, 977
Building and Grounds ……………………………………………….14, 219
Personal Care and Service……………………………………………30,662
Sales and Office………………………………………………………19,886
Sales and Related……………………………………………………..20,795
Office and administration…………………………………………… 19,265
Farming, Fishing, Forestry…………..……………………………… .6938
Construction…………………………………………………………..20,833
Construction and extraction ………………………………………… .23224
Installation, maintenance and repair………………………………… 19,258
Production, Transportation and Material moving…………………….20,625
Production occupations……………………………………………… 73,261
Supervisions, transportation and materials moving………………… 11, 944
Motor vehicle operators…………………………………………….…26875
Material moving workers……………………………………………….9213
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Languages spoken and taught English and Spanish
Top 10-20 private sector employers Hospital, School System, County, GEO Group (Prison), City workers,
Restaurants, Hotels, Small Business, Construction,
Describe new employers or major lay-offs or closings. A new municipally owned Prison, leased to GEO
(http://www.geogroup.com/locations_na.asp) which houses state (approx 620) prisoners. Approx 300 new jobs
created.
Average wage per job (BEA) Per capita personal income 2009 : $31,378, Union County 2009 ranked 12th
in state
Describe any trade organizations or level of unionization (if any) None
Educational Attainment:
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High school graduates (number and percent) 37 students , 94.1% Graduation Rate (2010) 79.4% of the
community 25 years and older have high school diploma
Two-year college graduates (number and percent)
4-year college graduates (number and percent) 12.2 % of the community 25 years and old have bachelors
degree
Graduate and professional degrees (number and percent) 5.1% of the community 25 or older have graduate or
professional degree
SAT/ACT scores and drop-out rate 2.82% drop out rate (2010)
2009
# tested
33
English
21.1
Math
20.7
Reading
20.9
Science
20.5
Aver
20.8
Educational attainment data is provided by the Census Bureau (last bullet from local school district)
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Education:
Describe both K-12 and post-secondary programs in the community/region. The Clayton School System is the
largest district I school system in the county .The Clayton
School system is the only school district with subgroups in the state in which every campus made AYP. 87% of schools
did not make AYP. Our school system has strong ties with Mesa lands community college and college level courses are
offered to the high school students. Many students graduate from Clayton High School with 20-30 college credits.
Clayton High School has an excellent and widely recognized wood working program with award winning projects of
incredible workmanship produced every year both male and female students. Clayton School system is one of three
double AA schools in the state in which the band won the state equivalent at three different levels. Clayton High school
is recognized by US and News and World Report to be in the top 8% of schools in the Nation. (Based on ACT scores,
Dual enrollment, and other special educational criteria). Our campus is specialized because it is the largest WPA
museum in the nation.
Health Care:
Describe local facilities, services, specialties, etc.
Union County General Hospital is a community hospital with about 30 beds. A recent 9 million dollar renovation
brought CT scanning, Nuclear Imaging, Ultrasound and expanded X ray capacity to the area. The physicians practice
general medicine, and OB. We have a full time surgeon available as well. The health care facilities are excellent, with
the ability to refer to Amarillo by chopper if required.
Transportation:
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
Local airport (with FBO and all available services) and closest airport with commercial service (list
commercial carriers with non-stop service and cargo/freight carriers)
Clayton Municipal Airport and Airpark, municipal and commercial airport. Runway 2/20 4810 feet long 75 feet
wide, recently relined, night lights, asphalt. Runway 12/30 4100 feet long, 60 feet wide, paved asphalt, relined
and night lighting. Adjacent land around runway 755 acres.
Closest commercial airport Amarillo Texas 120 miles away. Commercial, cargo, freight and International
flights. Commercial Carriers: Delta, United, Southwest, Continental.
Rail service availability in region
BNSF travels through Clayton, but does not stop. We do have an existing rail spur into Clayton which is not
activated at the current time.
Highways – both interstate and regional
87/64 double lined out of Texas, north to Raton. I-25 out of Raton. 56 West to Springer, NM to also pick up (I25 at Springer) 54 South picks up I-40 at Nara Visa New Mexico
Distance to port of entry (with services) if applicable
Port of Entry in Clayton New Mexico with 87/64 entering from Texas
Utilities (list providers with capacity and cost information):

Electricity
PNM Provides Electrical in Clayton New Mexico.
Southwestern Electric Provides Electrical outside of town limits to the county.
PMN and Southwest Share a 20MW substation located in Clapham NM.
Additional:
PNM Rates:
Residential: First 450 kWh per Month $0.0906237/kWh $00906237/kWh x
Next 450 kWh per Month $0.1373455/kWh $0.1 185101/kWh X
All Additional kWh per Month $01576960/kWh $01283520/kWh
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Water : Provided locally in town by the Town of Clayton
Wastewater Treatment : Provided locally in town by the Town of Clayton
Solid waste disposal: Provided locally in town by the Town of Clayton
Natural gas: Provided by Gas Co of New Mexico in Clayton Municipality. Natural gas provided by Arthur
Propone outside of City Limits.
Telecommunications (include broadband availability and level): ENMR Telecommunications Cooperative with
Broadband High Baud Rate Fiber optic Cable going in presently. Able to support upload and download speeds
of up to 1 gigabyte/sec. Most plans run 20-100megabytes/sec. Since ENMR is the cellular carrier for the broad
rural area of Northeastern New Mexico, one will fine coverage in some of the remotest parts of New Mexico (for
instance the Bell Ranch) where no other coverage is available. Plateau Cellular has many towers located in very
remote places to cover the farm and ranch communities.
Housing
Availability and cost range: Presently stable real estate market.
Plenty of inventory of homes for sale on the market with a high of $299,000 for Victorian Home to a low $35,000 for
2B/1B home. Median Housing purchase price would be $79,000.
Rental Shortage at present time could use more rental inventory to meet rental demand. Most in demand is 3B/2B
rentals. Average rental price reasonable at $550 for a 3B/1B or $650 for 3B/2B
Government
The Clayton Municipal government is a Mayor-Council-Manager form of government. All of the positions are nonpartisan and are elected at large, with each having a four year term. Appointed officials at the city are the manager,
clerk, and police chief. The treasurer is treated as an employee. The city has three departments, street, water, and sewer.
The city also runs the Senior Citizens’ center and the library.
Union County has three commissioners, each elected at large. These positions are partisan and the candidate must go
through the primary/general election process. The three commissioners then elect a Chairman to conduct meetings. The
Chairmanship is up every two years to correspond with the election of new Commissioners. The Commissioners appoint
a County Manager and a Road Superintendent.
The County Manager oversees daily County operations such as payroll, accounts receivable & payable, hospital indigent,
as well as setting meeting agendas and prepping for monthly meetings.
The Road Superintendent has the responsibility for all County roads and has charge of all road department employees,
equipment, and E-911 Mapper.
The County Clerk, Treasurer, Assessor, Sheriff, & Magistrate Judge are all independently elected and run their own
Commissioners.
Taxes
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Local GRT: Clayton 7.8750, Des Moines 7.5000, Folsom 7.500, Grenville 7.5000, Remainder of the County:
6.0625
 Property taxes
(State taxes and credits will be linked to community profiles)
Union County Property Tax Information
Median Property Tax
$377 ± 38 (2569th of 3145)
Percentage Of Income
0.92 ± 0.12% (2573rd of 3145)
Percentage Of Property Value
0.42 ± 0.08% (2623rd of 3145)
The median property tax in Union County, New Mexico is $377 per year for a home worth the median value of $89,700.
Union County collects, on average, 0.42% of a property's estimated fair market value as property tax.
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Union County has one of the lowest median property tax rates in the country, with only two thousand five hundred
sixty nine of the 3145 counties collecting a lower property tax then Union County.
The average yearly property tax paid by Union County residents amounts to about 0.92% of their yearly income. Union
County is ranked 2573rd of the 3145 counties for property taxes as a percentage of median income.
Describe any local incentive programs (LEDA, IRBs, etc.)
Union County and Clayton have passed a Local Economic Development Ordinance (632)
Business Assistance
Provide information on all local business assistance programs, training, entrepreneurship mentoring, etc.
Training programs exist through the New Mexico workforce Solutions center, EPCOG, and our association with The
Small Business Development Center in Tucumcari, (MesaLands Community College, Vicky Watson)
Local housing availability and costs (range):
Presently stable real estate market.
Plenty of inventory of homes for sale on the market with a high of $299,000 for Victorian Home to a low $35,000 for
2B/1B home. Median Housing purchase price would be $79,000.
Rental Shortage at present time, could use more rental inventory to meet rental demand. Most in demand is 3B/2B
rentals.
Average rental price reasonable at $550 for a 3B/1B or $650 for 3B/2B
Lifestyle:
The small town atmosphere prevails here. We all know we live in close quarters together, so the cordial nature, the
friendliness abounds. People from out of town cannot believe the warmth, friendliness and helpful nature of the Clayton
population. The pace can be as slow or fast as you make it, but generally, people remain cordial, respectful and helpful.
You cannot drive down the street without everyone waving and recognizing you. We are a rural community of Ranchers,
Farmers, and outside working people, but also a very progressive, business minded community, looking to expand our
horizons, take on new business and entrepreneurs for the progress of the community. The community at large is very
forgiving. We have all made mistakes, we are all human, and everyone is accepted socially.
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Outdoor recreation: Hunting (Antelope Hunting is world Renowned), Antelope, Deer, Elk, Geese, Turkey,
Pheasant, Quail, Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Biking, Running
Fishing , Clayton Lake holds the NM Walleye record
Clayton Lake State Park:
CLAYTON LAKE
www.emnrd.state.nm.us/PRD/Clayton.htm
Distance: 12 Miles
Contact: Charles Jordan
Hours of Operation: 24 Hours
Fees: $5 / per vehicle Camping Fee: $8 - $14
Clayton Lake State Park is located 15 miles north of Clayton, close to New Mexico’s border with Colorado,
Oklahoma and Texas. The landscape is characterized by rolling grasslands, volcanic rocks and sandstone bluffs.
Set on the western edge of the Great Plains, it was a stopover point for travelers along the Cimarron Cutoff of the
Santa Fe Trail. The park also features an astronomy observatory. Visitors today can enjoy picnicking, camping, and
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superb fishing at the park’s 170-acre lake, as well as view one of the most extensive dinosaur trackways in North
America.
The Park
Clayton Lake was created by the State Game and Fish Department in 1955 as a fishing lake and winter waterfowl resting
area. A dam was constructed across Seneca Creek, which is actually a series of seeps except after heavy rains. During the
fishing season, which usually runs from March to October each year, the lake is a popular spot for anglers hoping to catch
trout, catfish, bass and walleye. Boats are allowed on the lake, but are restricted to trolling speeds. The lake is closed to
fishing during the winter, when it serves as a stopover for waterfowl. Several duck species including mallards, pintails, and
teals frequent the lake, and Canadian geese and bald eagles are often seen here.
The park offers camping and picnicking facilities, a group shelter, and a modern comfort station. The dinosaur tracks are located
on the dam spillway, at the end of a gentle half mile trail. Best times to view the tracks are in the morning and late afternoon.
A sheltered gazebo and boardwalk trail along the trackway provide extensive information regarding the dinosaurs that traveled
here so long ago.
11th Annual Clayton Lake Trout Derby
The Derby will be held on June 4-5, 2011. To register, call the Chamber of Commerce at (800) 390-7858 or (575) 374-9253.
You may also print out a registration form by clicking here: 2011 Trout Derby Registration Form (pdf file)
The form must be returned with entry fee to the Clayton-Union County Chamber of Commerce office, P.O. Box 476, Clayton, N
88415, or you may enter the Derby on Saturday morning at the lake.
You must have a valid New Mexico fishing license to fish at Clayton Lake State Park. Licenses may be obtained at Knott's
Sportsman Supply, 1015 South First St., Clayton, NM 88415. They are open 6 days a week from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. from Memorial
Day through the end of October. Closed on Sundays. Winter hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
You may also purchase a license online at www.wildlife.state.nm.us
* Note: You may fish without a license on June 4, 2011, National Fishing Day and Sept. 24, 2011, National Hunting and Fishin
All other fishing rules still apply.
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Arts and culture
Annual Clayton Arts Festival, the First Weekend in October. This very impressive annual event has over 60
great artists with some of the absolute best in NM and Texas Art. The festival has been going on for over 30
years. Annual Clayton Arts Festival
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Over 400 fine paintings, food and entertainment, over 40 art & craft booths, pottery, quilts, toys, and jewelry.
Concessions stand available. Held at the Clayton Civic Center. Free admission and parking. Call (575)374-9810
for more info.
Clayton Arts Council and the New Mexico Federated Women have a beautiful gallery located on mainstreet,
downtown Clayton New Mexico
 History and museums
Herzstein Museum: A true treasure in Northeastern New Mexico, the Herzstein Memorial Museum will take you back in
time. When touring this museum, you will experience tracks of dinosaurs, tribulations of the Santa Fe Trail, hanging of
outlaws, and the exquisite merchandise of long ago Jewish Merchants. You will be astonished at the versatility of
history on exhibit. Displays include exotic items from Europe and the Orient as well as historical items used by local
pioneers. The church built in 1901 that houses the museum still has the original detailed stain glass windows and white
cedar floors. To complete your visit to New Mexico, this museum is a MUST SEE!
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Events (art or music festivals, etc.)
1) Annual Viva New Mexico Music Festival the Third Saturday Night in July Downtown Clayton on Mainstreet
outside in front of the Historic Eklund Hotel.
2) Annual Clayton Arts Council Arts Festival, first weekend in October
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3) Annual Clayton Fishing Derby: Held early in June.
Town of Clayton
Clayton, founded in 1888 with the coming of the railroad, was incorporated in 1908 as the county seat. The City of
Clayton is located at the intersection of US Highways 56, US Highway 64,87, and State Highways 402 and 370. This
rural community is also located on the Llano Estacado, or “ the staked plains”. The area surrounding Clayton is a sea of
wild grass which is known as the Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands. These public lands are administered by
the USDA Forest Service and covers approximately 235,000 acres in the north east region of New Mexico and in the
panhandles of Texas and Oklahoma.
Clayton is famous for numerous tourist sites, that include: the historic Eklund Hotel, a convention center, the Union
County Historical Park, Centennial Park, Herzstein Museum, the Dorsey Mansion, and the Clayton State Park that
contains dinosaur tracks left some 100 million years ago. The Town of Clayton and its surrounding historical attractions
continue to draw thousands of tourists a year to the area.
In 2005, Clayton was selected by the Certified Community Initiative. This designation gives recognition to the
community for the diligent and aggressive work that has been done to maintain and further stimulate economic
development and community revitalization. In 2008 a correctional facility will open in Clayton housing over 300
inmates and creating 150 employment opportunities for the region and a business park was created consisting of 1,000
acres. Economic development efforts are being made to attract industries into the park such as travel center/truck stops,
light manufacturing, and retail.
Village of Des Moines
The Village of Des Moines is located on US Highway 64 between Clayton and Raton and is near the famous Capulin
Volcano National Monument. The community was originally settled in the late 1800’s due to the ideal location on the
Colorado and Southern Pacific Railroad enabling ranchers and cattle companies to ship cattle more efficiently to other
parts of the country.
Today, Des Moines remains a unique and beautiful rural community that continues to serve the rural areas of Union
County. The village has experienced tremendous out-migration due to declining cattle prices and the limited availability
of adequate drinking water. Water is one of the major factors that is contributing to a declining population and uncertain
economy. In 1999, the Village of Des Moines completed a comprehensive plan which outlined goals and objectives for
addressing current and future needs. From this list of priority tasks, a school expansion was completed and a senior
center was designed and constructed to serve the communities of Folsom, Capulin and Des Moines. Many very rural
communities, like Des Moines remain steadfast in the belief that ranching and farming should continue to be a way of
life but that the reality is it will always be challenging.
Village of Folsom
Folsom is beautiful community located on the Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway in northeastern New Mexico. The village
was a railroad construction camp in the late 1800’s and is the location where prehistoric spear points, now know as
“Folsom Points” dating back to approximately 8800 B.C. have been discovered. The village thrived and had many
businesses and residents until 1908 when a disastrous flood washed away most of the town. Sarah Rooke, the telephone
operator, stayed at her switchboard warning people of the coming flood until her building was swept away. She was
honored as a heroine. Seventeen people lost their lives and most of the businesses were never rebuilt.
Today, Folsom has two designated historic buildings, which is the Folsom Museum and the Folsom Hotel.
The Folsom Museum was organized in April 1966 to preserve the history and artifacts of the area. It is housed in the
historic Doherty Building built in 1896 and mostly documents the anthropological history of the area including the
presence of prehistoric bison, Folsom Man, and the famous Folsom Points.
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The village has never had a community water and wastewater system in which to serve its residents. Therefore, water
quality and the possibility of contamination remains a concern for the area. Water issues are consistently placed high on
comprehensive plans and capital outlay requests for the region.
Village of Grenville
Grenville is located on US Highway 64/ 87 with a population of 25 residents. This historical community is also a unique
rural community that is struggling to maintain its current population. The village is incorporated and there is a village
office building that serves the community.
Civic Participation and Organizations
Two financial institutions serve Union County, with combined assets of about $130 million. Clayton has 7 FT police
officers, 3 FT Firefighters, and 10 Volunteer firefighters. There are also 12 churches, a 9-hole golf course, city parks,
swimming pool, 8 motels, and 8 restaurants.
Health and Safety Services
The Union County General Hospital, located in Clayton, was built in 1962 is a 25 bed state of the art health care facility.
It is critical care access hospital and operated by Clayton Health Systems, Inc., a 501(c)3, non profit organization. Union
County provides funds for equipment and physical plant needs through a Mill Levy Fund. The County is presently
renovating and expanding the hospital with a new wing and the construction will be complete in September of 2009.
The renovation and expansion will provide the citizens of Union County and Clayton much better healthcare services,
both acute care and outpatient services.
Economic Infrastructure
Economic Generators
Agriculture
Agriculture sustains the economic base for the county. The major crops grown are corn, hay, sorghum, and wheat. Union
County has 2,243,404 acres in 419 farms. Cash receipts for crops in 2007 was $19,574,000 while cash receipts for
livestock was $146,147,000. Union County ranked 6th in the state for all farm commodities.
The Town of Clayton has created the Governor Richardson Rodeo Tour and Championship. This annual rodeo is the
results of collaboration and partnership with the New Mexico Rodeo Association, and the Governor’s Office. The rodeo
tour encompasses ten rodeos throughout the state, with Clayton’s Rodeo being one of the ten sites. The tour and
championship generates a tremendous economic development opportunity and annual revenue in the area.
Agricultural Valued Added Products
Fluctuations in livestock and commodities markets, droughts, fluctuations in feedstock markets, out migration of young
people, and a general downturn in the economy (2008) has placed significant economic pressure on Union County.
These factors have forced the county and surrounding communities to partner with various community leaders and
economic development entities to strategically plan for the recruitment of value added products that will complement
their existing resources.
Retail
Clayton MainStreet Program
The City of Clayton was selected in 2005 to participate in the New Mexico MainStreet Program. Clayton’s main street
and the surrounding area adjacent to the courthouse has vibrant businesses, a church, and unique storefronts. Many of the
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store fronts remain true to the character and architectural style of the old west. These shops sell antiques, gifts and food.
Natural Resources
Union County is located over the “Bravo Dome,” considered to be the largest deposit of carbon dioxide in the United
States. It is estimated to contain over 16 trillion cubic feet of carbon dioxide reserves. There is also a large lava deposit
near Capulin Volcano and both of these natural resources are presently being mined.
Tourism
Tourism is a vital economic stimulus in the county. The tourist attractions include:
Capulin Volcano National Monument
This natural wonder is located 58 miles west Clayton on Hwy 64 and 87 to the town of Capulin, then three miles north
on Hwy 325 to Capulin Volcano National Monument. Capulin Volcano was active 60,000 years ago and is one of many
dormant volcanoes in Northeast New Mexico, a fact that becomes clear against the breathtaking backdrop of other
dormant volcanoes in the surrounding Raton-Clayton volcanic field, mountain ranges, mesas and valleys. Two nature
trails are on the top of Capulin. The Crater Rim Trail is a one- mile-long, self-guiding path that roams the rim of the
crater while the second trail journeys 0.2 miles to the vent at the bottom of the crater for an unusual opportunity to see
the inside of a volcano.
Clayton Lake State Park Dinosaur Tracks
More than 500 dinosaur tracks were discovered at the park in the early 1980’s. These have been identified and preserved
with over eight different species of dinosaurs identified that were indigenous to the area. The sites feature shelter
gazebos and boardwalks, with extensive signage along the trail. The park is located along NM 370, just northwest of
Clayton.
Eklund Hotel
The historic Eklund Hotel has been a landmark for travelers of the southwest since the 1890s. It began as a two-story
rock building in 1892 (the west side of the present buildings). The ground floor was occupied as a store until 1894 when
Carl Eklund brought in his elaborately carved bar which is still in use in the saloon. Mr. Eklund and his wife, Gerda,
purchased the property in December 1897 and the east two stories were built in 1989. They added the third floor and the
“opera balcony” or porch in 1905. The Eklund is currently open as a hotel and a review is being conducted for the
possible feasibility of an assisted living facility/Hotel.
Kiowa National Grasslands
The Kiowa and Rita Blanca National Grasslands are public lands that are administered by the USDA Forest Service and
covers approximately 235,000 acres in the northeastern region of New Mexico and the panhandles of Texas and
Oklahoma.
Rabbit Ear Mountain
The first homesteaders to come to the area from the Missouri River to Santa Fe learned the name of this mountain, Orejo
de Conjos (Rabbit Ears) from the Native Americans. Named by the Native Americans after the great Cheyenne Chief,
Orejo de Conejos (Rabbit Ears) , it is located just north of Clayton and is the site of two great battles that were fought
more than two hundred years ago.
The legend tells of an expedition that left Santa Fe and headed for the Orejo de Conejos Mountain to meet the
Comanche’s in battle on order to get them to release Spanish prisoners. The great Cheyenne Chief, Orejo de Conejos
was killed in battle and buried on top of the mountain that bears his name.
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Union County Courthouse
The first courthouse was built in 1894 and it was destroyed by a tornado, later the courthouse was rebuilt in 1909. The
historic Union County Courthouse serves as a pivotal site within the City of Clayton. The courthouse is the site where
the outlaw Black Jack Ketchum was hung on April 26, 1901. Today, this beautiful architectural structure is listed on the
state and national historic registry and it continues to serve the county.
Dry Cimarron Scenic Byway
This lonely byway winds like a web through the northeast corner of New Mexico, with infinite big skies and tall
grasslands. Near Folsom there were prehistoric spear points dating to about 8800 BC found embedded in the ribs of now
extinct bison. Going south to Capulin Volcano National Monument, one can hike down inside a cinder cone that was
active as recently as 10,000 years ago. As the byway skirts the edge of the Kiowa National Grassland it continues on to
the Clayton Lake State Park.
Santa Fe Scenic Byway
The Great Santa Fe Trail at first led 909 miles through five states to Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico. Initially, the
Santa Fe Trail attracted adventurers, mountain men, homesteaders, cattle drives, people headed west to the gold rush,
gunslingers, gamblers, outlaws, and entrepreneurs. When the United States declared war against Mexico in 1846, US
troops took the trail and declared New Mexico as United States territory. In the following years, as trade grew, several
forts were built to protect the ever increasing trail traffic from outlaws and scoundrels.
In 1866 traffic peaked at 5,000 freight wagons but by then the railroad had reached Kansas and as its tracks crept
westward, trail traffic dwindled. In 1879, when the first locomotive steamed into New Mexico, the great Santa Fe Trail
had faded into the history books.
Economic Indicators
The following charts and graphs demonstrate the economic trends and the indicators that impact those trends.
Union
Population in 2010
Projected Population in 2015
Projected Population in 2025
Civilian Labor Force in 2008
Total Employed in 2008
Total Unemployed in 2008
Unemployment Rate Percentage in 2008
Average Wage Per Job in 2007
Per Capita Personal Income in 2007
High School Graduate Percentage in 2000
Some College, No Degree Percentage in 2000
Associates Degree Percentage in 2000
Bachelors Degree Percentage in 2000
Graduate Degree Percentage in 2000
4,549
4,814
5,169
2,180
2,126
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2.5
24,942
30,731
43.9
19.7
3.2
7.3
5.7
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Capital, Revenue, and Investments:
Gross Receipts:
The gross receipts collected from retail trade in 2005 has indicated a slight increase. Also, Union had a GRT rate that has
gradually increased.
Lodgers Tax
Clayton is the only municipality in Union County that collects a lodger’s tax set at a 5% rate. In 2010, Clayton collected
$65,622.
General Obligation Bonds
There is evidence of a gradual increase in the general obligation bonding capacity within each economic stimulus.
Business Patterns
Business Creation and Retention
Union County Community Development Corporation
The UCCDC has adopted as its mission: “To promote, pursue, and invest in a business climate that advances a strong
economic community; implement a strategic plan that results in business retention and expansion; and, advance the
quality of life that characterizes Union County and Northeastern New Mexico.”
The UCCDC works closely with:
 Clayton / Union County Chamber of Commerce
 Clayton MainStreet
 Clayton Tourism Department
 Mesalands Community College - Small Business Development Center
 Town of Clayton
 Union County
 Des Moines Village
 Folsom Village
 Eastern Plains Council of Governments
 NM Economic Development Department
 USDA – Rural Development
 Plateau Telecommunications
 State and Federal Government
Housing:
Clayton is dealing with a tremendous issue with lack of housing for the new growth stemmed from the attraction of the
North East New Mexico Detention Facility (NENMDF) which provides over 200 jobs to the community. Most available
homes have been purchased and there are very few available rentals. Local civic leaders are in discussions with
contractors and housing authority officials to address the issue and progress is being made to mitigate the problem.
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The UCCDC is working on a plan to level dilapidated and condemned homes in order for land to be available for the
development of single family and multifamily housing units. Many of the home owners do not actually live in Clayton
and The UCCDC is asking that potential properties be donated to the UCCDC providing a tax benefit to the home
owner.
Strategic Recruitment:
The UCCDC has been working in earnest in regard to recruiting retail establishments to Clayton and other towns in
Union County. Contacts have been made and a positive working relationship has been established with the International
Council of Shopping Centers which helps communities partner with shopping center site selectors.
IMST International Marketing Services of Texas has produced a retail marketing analysis for a proposed travel center in
Clayton. Much of the information produced can be utilized for other recruitment opportunities.
The Business Enterprise Center
The UCCDC and Chamber of Commerce work closely with business to alleviate any barriers or problems that might
arise and work to help promote business by coordinating planning activities. These two organizations applied for a
technical assistant grant, which was awarded and later formed the Rural Development Response Counsel. Community
Development Block Grant applications, capital outlay applications, and other funding sources are actively pursued by
both organizations.
Agricultural Valued Added Products
Many agricultural valued added industries are being considered in the strategic planning process for Union County.
Local leaders recognize that in order to make the county economically strong, they must continue to diversify the
economic base.
Telecommunications
The majority of Union County telecommunications and Internet services are provided by Plateau Telecommunications.
The Village of Des Moines is serviced by Baca Valley Telephone Company, and there are many portions of the county
that are served by Panhandle Telephone Coop. and X.I.T Telephone Cooperative. Union County is currently working
with these service providers to provide broadband service to rural areas of the county.
Utilities
Electric and Gas
Electric and gas utilities are provided by PNM Electric and Southwestern Electric Cooperative in Clayton. Springer
Electric Cooperative also serves the northern part of the county. Natural gas utilities are provided by New Mexico Gas
Company.
Wastewater
The City of Clayton is the only municipality that has a wastewater treatment system in the county. The cost to users for
1,000 gallons is ($55.00 max. flat rate) or $.06. The remaining communities use individual septic tank systems, which is
contributing to groundwater contamination by the presence of nitrates.
Water
Union County is mainly dependent on groundwater except for the Dry Cimarron River Valley where less than 3,000
acres are irrigated, and the Tamperos Creek area where less than 1,500 acres are irrigated.
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The Town of Clayton purchased 1,760 acres of land on U.S. Highway 87 and adjacent to Clayton Municipal Airport.
This land has twelve wells capable of producing a minimum of 3.5 million gallons of water per day. This well capacity
should provide enough water to support approximately 14,000 additional people in the area. Then in 2005, the City of
Clayton’s water delivery system experienced a failure in the distribution and storage of community water due to
deteriorated lines and inadequate water pumps. As a result of this event, the city received Capital Outlay monies for
major Water Infrastructure Improvements.
Community Development Block Grant money is also being used to mitigate the ongoing water issues in Clayton and
other towns in Union County.
The Village of Des Moines obtains their water supply from five wells. The well field is located in the village and the
EPA had determined that it is contaminated with nitrates. Currently, the community is exploring the possibility of
establishing a regional water system with the villages of Folsom and Capulin. This regional water system would
establish a new single point water source and distribution lines for the three communities.
Folsom is an incorporated community that does not have a public water system. Instead, each household has private
wells and septic systems, which continue to be tested for increased nitrate levels.
Grenville uses about 7,500 gallons of water per day and their water system has two wells and two storage tanks with a
capacity of 18,000 gallons. Currently, the village council has adopted a municipal ordinance with prohibits the drilling of
wells within their municipal boundaries.
Alternative Energy Resources
Foresight Energy, Inc. a wind farm development company based in California is reserving capacity on the existing TriState tranmission line to transport electrictiy generated by 26 1.5 megawatt wind turbines. Wind data is currently being
collected with possible construction of the farm.
Transportation
Ports to Plains Trade Corridor
The Ports-to-Plains Trade Corridor is an uninterrupted multi-lane divided highway that will transport goods and people
from Mexico and the Border Region through West Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Colorado, and ultimately Canada
and the Pacific Northwest. This corridor will offer a less congested alternate route for delivery of goods and services,
and will have a significant economic impact to the county. Therefore, it is essential that the Ports-to-Plains activities are
followed closely and that there is adequate representation in the design and construction phase.
Highways and Major Arterials
Highways serving the area include US 56, US 64
87. Clayton is 83 miles from I-25 and 110 miles to I-40. These major arterial serve more than 20 trucking companies in
Union County.
Railroad
Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railroad serves Clayton.
Air Service
Federal Express, United Parcel Service and DHL Express provide parcel delivery service.
The closest commercial airport is in Amarillo, Texas , 131 miles to the southeast. Clayton Municipal Airport has two
lighted runways of 4,100 and 4,800 feet, respectively. The airport was rebuilt in 1984 to comply with Class 3
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Section X: Economic Development Resources
New Mexico and Region IV
New Mexico offers a wide range of resources for economic development. It has a very diverse population and is
committed to helping all of its residents, regardless of race or creed. New Mexico is committed to growing strong,
sustainable businesses. Like other areas, the current economic crisis has taken its toll and state budgets are tight,
however, it is action oriented to the highest levels of government, with a strong business culture and infrastructure.
Find below a list of resources readily available to anyone interested in doing business in New Mexico.
New Mexico Economic Development Department
Jon Barela, Cabinet Secretary
Joseph M. Montoya Building
1100 St. Francis Drive
PO Box 20003
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
edd.state.nm.us
1-800-374-3061
• New Mexico is ranked 33rd nationally in the State Business Tax Climate Index, primarily due to the gross receipts tax
• New Mexico is not a right-to-work state
• Infrastructure gaps throughout the state (Only 73% of New Mexicans have internet access)
OPPORTUNITIES:
• Strong economic growth potential centered around abundant
renewable energy resources, cost of labor and workforce training
• Science and technology workforce talent pool
• Our national labs; New Mexico is first in non-industry investment in R & D
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THREATS:
• Economic dependence on federal funding (for example: LANL has reduced its workforce by 20%)
• Rural population loss (40 incorporated communities lost population between 2000 and 2010)
• Reduced economic development resources
• Tax policy; New Mexico continues to drop in national business tax climate rankings
• New Mexico dropped from 40th to 49th in “globalization” over 3 years (low volume of manufacturing and service exports; and
lack of foreign-direct investment)
Listed below are incentives offered by NMEDD
NOTE: Website attached to this document is the New Mexico Economic Development Department
www.gonm.biz
NM Business Asssitance web site:
General Tax Credits
http://www.gonm.biz/businessassistance/incentives.aspx
High Wage Jobs Tax Credit-Companies may take a credit equal to ten percent of the combined value of salaries and
benefits for each new job, depending on pay scale.
Manufacturer’s Investment Tax Credit-Manufacturers may take a tax credit of five percent of the value of qualified
equipment and other property used in their operation.
New Markets Tax Credit-This is an investment tax credit which varies based on the cost of the project.
Rural Jobs Tax Credit-Eligible employers must be located in a rural area and be approved for the JTIP program.
Technology Jobs Tax Credit-Businesses may take a credit on research expenditures of 4%, 8% in rural areas. Qualified
expenditures may include land, buildings, equipment, computer software and upgrades, consultants, technical literature,
test materials, patents, payroll, and labor.
Industry Specific Tax Credits and Deductions
Aerospace-Aircraft Maintenance or Remodeling Tax Deduction, Aircraft Manufacturing Tax Deduction, Research and
Development Tax Deduction, Space Gross Receipts Tax Deductions.
Agri-Business-Agricultural Business Tax Deductions and Exemptions
Clean and Renewable Energy-Advanced Energy Tax Credits, Alternative Energy Product Manufacturers Tax Credit,
Biodiesel Blending Facility Tax Credit, Blended Biodiesel Fuel Tax Credit, Hybrid Vehicle Tax Exemption, Renewable
Energy Production Tax Credit, Solar Energy Systems Gross Receipts Tax Exemption, Solar Market Development
Income Tax Credit, Sustainable Building Tax Credit
Technology and Electronics-Angel Investment Tax Credit, Research and Development Gross Receipts Tax Deduction,
Research and Development Small Business Tax Credit, Rural Software and Web Site Gross Receipts Tax Deduction,
Technology Jobs Tax Credit, Telemarketing Gross Receipts Tax Exemption.
Technical Assistance
Small Business Development Centers, New Mexico Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Space Alliance Technology
Outreach Program, Sandia National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory Technology Commercialization
Office.
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Rural Resources
Community Development Revolving Loan Fund (CDRLF)-Low interest loans are available to communities for projects
which stimulate job creation and prosperity and may be used for infrastructure improvements, acquisition of real
property, construction, rehabilitation, public facilities, and other real property investments.
Rural Economic Action Partnership (REAP)-is an informal group of rural community development funding agencies
which work together to increase the effectiveness of funding economic and community development projects in New
Mexico by enhancing collaboration among the member agencies.
MainStreet Satellite Program-satellite communities are an innovation unique to New Mexico MainStreet for towns
currently without capacity to become a start-up that have the same needs as their larger neighbors.
Other economic development assistance:
New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration- Services offered: Community Development and Planning,
Capital Outlay Funding, and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
Local Government Division
Bataan Memorial Bldg. Rm 202
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-827-4950
local.nmdfa.state.nm.us
New Mexico Finance Authority-Economic Development Planning Grants and Infrastructure Financing
Bataan Memorial Bldg. Rm 201
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
505-984-1454
nmfa.net
Rural Development Response Council-Community Assessment, Profile Development, and Technical Assistance with
projects: ruraldevelopmentnm.org, Las Cruces 505-523-9784
US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development-Community Development Planning and Financial and Technical
Assistance: rurdev.usda.gov, State office-Albuquerque-505-761-4950
Field offices in: Aztec, Carlsbad, Deming, Espanola, Gallup, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Los Lunas, Raton, Socorro
A branch of the New Mexico Economic Development Department is the New Mexico Partnership.
The Partnership is committed to partnering with businesses and provides all the necessary information, assistance, and
tools to make an informed site location decision and success.
New Mexico Partnership, Recruitment for New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
505-247-8500 or 1-88-715-5293
www.nmpartnership.com
Some incentives offered by the NMEDD and NM Partnership are:
Job Training Incentive Program-New Mexico has one of the most aggressive training incentive packages in the
country. JTIP funds classroom and on-the-job-training for newly created jobs in expanding or relocating businesses for
up to six months.
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Industrial Revenue Bonds-New Mexico communities can issue IRBs to exempt companies from property taxes on
land, buildings, and equipment.
New Mexico 9000-Unique to New Mexico this is a low-cost ISO 9000 certification program.
Other Economic Development Resources available in Region IV and New Mexico are:
NMIDEA-New Mexico Idea-New Mexico Idea’s mission is to promote New Mexico’ economic growth through
focused advocacy of economic development issues, providing networking, professional development through education
and training opportunities for its members.
NMIDEA
Eileen Shelton, Executive Secretary
Clovis Industrial Development Corporation
Chase Gentry, Executive Director
105 E. Grand
Clovis, New Mexico 88101
575-763-6600 toll free 866-963-6600
[email protected]
Fort Sumner Economic Development Corporation
Allen Sparks, Executive Director
762 N 4th Street
Fort Sumner, New Mexico
575-799-8949
[email protected]
Union County Economic Development Corporation
Dr. Mark Van Wormer
PO Box 216
Clayton, New Mexico 88415
575-447-2855
[email protected]
New Mexico First
Heather Balas, President & CEO
320 Gold Ave. SW, Suite 300
Albuquerque, NM 87102
505-241-4813
[email protected]
Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation
Pat Vanderpool, Executive Director
PO Box1392
Tucumcari, New Mexico 88401
505-461-4079
[email protected]
Eastern New Mexico Economic Development Alliance
AKA: New Mexico Business Quarter
ENMEDA is a group of 8 communities that combine their enterprises to form a coalition for economic and industrial
development . The alliance provides an extensive data base to build, re-locate or expand a business.
PO Box 3170
Roswell, NM 88202
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1-800-875-6627
[email protected]
Roosevelt County Community Development Corporation
Greg Fisher CecD, Director of Economic Development
100 S. Ave A
Portales, New Mexico 88130
575-356-8541
www.goportales.com
Santa Rosa/Guadalupe County Economic Development
Richard Delgado, Director of Economic Development and Information
575-472-3763
[email protected]
Eastern Plains Council of Governments (and access to all other Councils of Governments)
Sandy Chancey, Executive Director [email protected]
418 Main Street
Clovis, New Mexico 88101
575-762-7714
Raymond Mondragon, Economic Development & Community Planner
[email protected]
Counties served: Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Quay, Roosevelt and Union
Bureau of Business and Economic Research-University of New Mexico
303 Girard Blvd. NE
Suite 116
Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106
505-277-2216
[email protected]
Clovis/Curry Chamber of Commerce (and access to all other Chambers of Commerce in Region IV)
Ernie Kos, Executive Director
215 Main Street
Clovis, New Mexico 88101
575-763-3435
[email protected] or www.clovisnm.org
Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce
Karl Terry, Executive Director
100 S. Ave. A
Portales, New Mexico 88130
575 356-8541
Toll free 800-635-8036 [email protected]
De Baca County Chamber of Commerce
Brittany Starritt, Executive Director
P.O. Box 28
Ft. Sumner, New Mexico 88119
575 355-7705
[email protected]
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Clayton-Union County Chamber of Commerce
1103 South First Street
P.O. Box 476
Clayton, New Mexico 88415
575 374-9253 800 390-7858
[email protected]
New Mexico Workforce Connection
Provides services that include: Employer Outreach, Business Service Center, Labor Market Information, Job
Search/Matching, Veteran’s Services, WorkKeys Testing and Key Train, Military Spouse Advocate
111 N. Main Street
Clovis, New Mexico 88101
575-763-3155
Clovis Community College-Small Business Development Center
Dr. Sandra Taylor-Sawyer, Director
417 Schepps Blvd.
Clovis, New Mexico 88101-8381
575-769-4136
[email protected]
www.clovis.edu
Mesalands Community College-Small Business Development Center
Vicki Watson, Director
911 S. 10th St.
Tucumcari, New Mexico
575- 461-4413 Ext. 133
[email protected]
New Mexico MainStreet
Economic Development Department
1100 Saint Francis Drive
Joseph Montoya Building
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87505
Rich Williams-Executive Director
505-827-0168
www.nmmainstreet.org
Clovis Main Street
Robyne Beaubien, Executive Director
Clovis MainStreet
575-309-8370
www.clovisdowntown.org
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