Non-Local News Releases
This category will feature news releases from out-of-area government agencies and representatives, as well as events that are not taking place in the four-county area of Grant, Catron, Hidalgo or Luna. For local events please visit Local News Releases.
Energy Conservation and Management Division Launches New Web Portal for Sustainable Building Tax Credit Applications
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 04 April 2023 04 April 2023
SANTA FE, NM – The Energy Conservation and Management Division of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department has launched a new web portal to accept and certify applications for Sustainable Building Tax Credit (STBC) certificates from residents who take steps to make their homes and businesses more energy efficient.
The new portal went live on April 4, 2023.
The Sustainable Building Tax Credits were updated in 2020 and 2022 through amendments to state statutes governing personal and corporate income taxes. There are two types of tax credits available under the program—one for installation of certain energy-efficient products in existing residences and another for commercial renovation and new construction projects.
The legislation governing the personal income tax credit also includes provisions that offer extra incentive for making upgrades that reduce energy use and lower utility costs in affordable housing units or homes occupied by low-income residents.
High winds expected with blowing dust
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 03 April 2023 03 April 2023
Travel Advisory for Southwest New Mexico
DEMING - The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) will be monitoring roadway conditions with law enforcement as high wind advisories have been issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) on Apr.3, 2023, impacts attached from NWS with Press Release. NWS is forecasting very strong winds from 25 to 35 mph with gusts of 50 mph in the lowlands and 30 and 40 mph with gusts up to 70 mph in the mountains. For Tuesday, the wind gusts will increase to 70 mph through the early evening hours in the mountains. Areas of blowing dust will accompany this system this afternoon as well as Tuesday afternoon.
The NMDOT would like to remind the traveling public, blowing dust can escalate to blinding dust storms as they move quickly through remote areas. If you must travel, we recommend you monitor local forecast conditions prior to starting your trip and visit our web site as roadway conditions may change quickly throughout New Mexico.
Biden-Harris Administration Invests $40 Million to Bring High-Speed Internet to People in Rural New Mexico
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 03 April 2023 03 April 2023
WASHINGTON, April 3, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is investing $40 million to provide high-speed internet access for people living and working in rural areas in New Mexico.
Today’s investments are made possible because of funding from President Biden’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provides $65 billion to expand reliable, affordable, high-speed internet to all communities across the U.S. The announcement reflects the goals of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to rebuild our economy from the middle-out and bottom-up through investments such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has given USDA unprecedented resources to close the digital divide in rural America,” Secretary Vilsack said. “Connecting rural Americans to reliable, high-speed internet helps farmers and businesses operate more efficiently and break into new markets."
David Trujillo named 2022 Livestock Inspector of the Year
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 03 April 2023 03 April 2023
(L-R): Loren Patterson, NMCGA President; David Trujillo; Troy Sauble, Sauble Ranch Company.The 2022 Livestock Inspector of the year is David Trujillo. Born and raised in Garfield, David graduated from Hatch High School in 1982. Prior to his position as District 21 Livestock Inspector with the New Mexico Livestock Board, he worked as a meat processor and manager in Hatch. The NMLB brought David on in 2001 as a Meat Inspector for the Meat Inspection Division, and after 6 years in that position was then transferred to the T or C area as a Livestock Inspector.
David is recognized for his instrumental role in livestock evacuation and placement during the Black Fire, named New Mexico’s second largest wildfire burning over 300,000 acres. New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association looked to David as the lead boots on the ground when coordinating donations of feed to the burn scarred area.
NMSU researchers to design with first responders in live innovation sessions
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 03 April 2023 03 April 2023
The future of technology-assisted search and rescue is already here, but a computer science professor at New Mexico State University is working on taking these tools to the next level.
Phoebe Toups Dugas’ research is focused on engaging first responders in designing information technologies to find the best ways to assist rescuers in saving lives during a disaster. The collaborative research is titled “Live Participatory Design Fiction,” which Toups Dugas’ team refers to as LPDF.
Thanks to a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation, Toups Dugas, who is the principal investigator of the project, is leading a team of researchers in designing a collection of open-source software and implementation processes to create a live collaboration with first responders.
“We're trying to capitalize on the popularity of streaming and interactivity with live-streaming audiences, then apply that to designing future systems,” Toups Dugas said.
Traffic Alert: US 70 roadway rehabilitation project will cause delays
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
NMDOT insists drivers respect construction zone
LAS CRUCES - The New Mexico Department of Transportation District One office in cooperation with Mountain States Construction, Inc. (Contractor) will continue with the roadway rehabilitation project on US 70 from milepost 143 (I-10 /US 70 Interchange) to milepost 161 (Organ).
Starting Monday, April 3, 2023, crews will be back on Nasa Rd. and Wiesner Rd. to complete a small portion of milling and paving. Traffic can expect one lane closed at a time. This project is expected to be complete on Monday with striping scheduled within the next week.
Contractor’s hours of operation will be from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Drivers should expect delays and plan accordingly.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation is committed to the safety of the traveling public and thanks you for your cooperation during this work. For updated information go to: New Mexico Department of Transportation at www.nmroads.com or call 511.
State provides update on in-person wellness checks for disabled clients
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
Multiple state agencies involved in wellness checks
SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) reports progress in completing unannounced health and safety wellness checks for clients receiving services from the states’ Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver programs.
As of the end of day, Thursday, March 30, 2,558 in-person unannounced wellness visits have been completed statewide for the 6,815 individuals receiving services from DD Waiver programs. These visits identified 45 incidents of alleged abuse and neglect that can range from an environmental hazard in the home, missing staff, or other issues discovered by state agencies during the wellness checks. Every one of these incidents is being fully investigated.
“The number of incidents requiring investigation speaks volumes about the absolute necessity and importance of these unannounced visits,” said Department of Health Secretary Patrick M. Allen.
New Mexico Law Protects Preventive Services for Many in New Mexico, Despite Texas Judge’s Ruling
- Category: Non-Local News Releases Non-Local News Releases
- Published: 31 March 2023 31 March 2023
On March 30, 2023, a federal judge in Texas struck down major provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that require insurers to cover certain preventative services at no cost to the patient. The ruling impacts services recommended by the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) as well as an HIV prevention medication known as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). The ruling is expected to be appealed by the Biden administration.
“This ruling undermines the health and well-being of 151 million Americans who rely on preventive services to stay healthy and detect medical issues early on while they are still manageable,” said Jennifer Catechis, New Mexico’s Interim Superintendent of Insurance. “Thankfully, our state had the foresight to ensure these protections are enshrined in state law.”
In 2019, the New Mexico passed a law adopting many of the ACA’s consumer protections for major medical plans that are regulated by the state. The law requires insurers to cover all preventive services, including those recommended by the USPSTF.