Non-Local News Releases

SANTA FE — New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) has launched a first-of-its-kind capital outlay dashboard that provides the public, policymakers, and local governments with transparent, interactive access to funding information for schools, roads, parks, water systems and other infrastructure projects. 

The user-friendly dashboard is part of DFA's Capital Projects System. The platform tracks legislative appropriations for critical projects, detailing funding, expenditures, and progress. By allowing users to monitor project status and ensure compliance with appropriation reversion periods, the dashboard reinforces fiscal responsibility in the development of community assets. 

A Major Win for Jobs, National Security, and New Mexico's Economy

Sandoval County, NM —  Today, State Senator Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho) celebrated the successful groundbreaking of Castelion's Project Ranger, a transformative 1,000-acre hypersonic manufacturing campus in Sandoval County. Senator Jay Block attended yesterday's ceremony, joining state, federal, and local leaders in marking this significant milestone for economic development and national defense.

The $220 million private investment by Castelion, a leading defense technology company, will create approximately 300 high-wage manufacturing jobs and is projected to generate more than $650 million in economic impact for New Mexico over the next decade. The facility, focused on scaled production of hypersonic strike systems and solid rocket motors, will bolster domestic capabilities in critical defense technologies.

"This groundbreaking represents exactly the kind of smart, high-impact economic development that New Mexicans deserve," said Senator Jay Block (R- Rio Rancho). "By attracting cutting-edge companies like Castelion, we are strengthening our national security, creating family-sustaining careers, and showcasing New Mexico's skilled workforce and strategic advantages. I'm proud to have been part of this event and to see bipartisan cooperation at every level delivering real results for our state."

Fly-fishing for Gila trout has been slow to fair on the Gila River in recent weeks.

Southwest Fishing Report

Bear Canyon Lake: Fishing conditions have been adversely affected in the aftermath of the Trout Fire.

Elephant Butte Lake: The South Monticello boat ramp is currently closed and access to Rattlesnake Island is currently restricted due to low water levels. The closures will be lifted when water levels rise and conditions allow.

Gila River: Streamflow near Gila Wednesday morning was 65.3 cfs. The most recent report was received Jan. 8. At that time, fishing for Gila trout was slow to fair when using flies in the west fork.

Gila Waters: Streamflow near Gila Hot Springs Wednesday morning was 57.7 cfs.

Quemado Lake:The lake has reopened to the public.

Rio Grande: Streamflow below Elephant Butte Dam on Wednesday morning was 0.37 cfs. 

We received no reports for the following waterbodies over the past three weeks: Bill Evans Lake, Caballo Lake, Escondida Lake, Glenwood Pond, Lake Roberts, Percha Dam, Rancho Grande Ponds, Snow Lake, Trees Lake and Young Pond.  

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Bureau of Land Management today opened a 30-day public comment period to receive public input on plans to include 74 oil and gas parcels totaling 33,530 acres in New Mexico and Texas in a May 2026 sale. The comment period ends Feb. 20, 2026.

The BLM completed scoping on these parcels in December 2025 and is now seeking public comment on the parcels and the related environmental analysis. The BLM will use input from the public to help complete its review of each parcel.

SANTA FE – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham today delivered her eighth and final State of the State address, presenting legislative priorities for 2026 that include universal child care, health care access reform, public safety, improvements to the state K-12 education system, economic development and more. 

"Over the past seven years, we've moved mountains together, delivering free childcare, free college, historic family income growth, expanded health care access and a clean energy economy worth billions," said Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. "But there's still more work to do. We need to ensure universal child care for every New Mexico family for years to come. We need to get crime under control. We need more housing, better schools, and a health care system that works. Let's finish strong and cement a legacy that lifts up every New Mexican." 

SANTA FE — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an executive order Monday banning the practice of children in state custody sleeping overnight in government offices, which has occurred when no appropriate foster or residential placements were available.

Starting March 1, no child may sleep in a Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) office under any circumstances, and the agency must ensure all youth are placed in appropriate care settings.

WASHINGTON, DC — January 16, 2026 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is now accepting applications for the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program, which aims to encourage students at the Congressionally created 1890 land-grant universities to pursue careers in food, agriculture, and natural resource sciences. The application deadline is March 8, 2026.

Students around the country are invited to complete and submit their applications online through an online application. The USDA 1890 National Scholars Program is available to eligible high school seniors entering their freshman year of college that will attend one of the 1890 land-grant universities and pursue degrees in agriculture, food, natural resource sciences, or related academic disciplines. The program is also open to rising college sophomores and juniors that meet the same criteria.

In all construction zones, motorists are asked to reduce speed, obey posted signs, and use extreme caution, as well as continuing to be cautious of heavy equipment and construction personnel in the area. PLEASE NOTE: Conditions are subject to change without notice. Double fines for speeding in work zones may be in effect.

White Sands Missile Range Notification

For information regarding closures, you may call WSMR at 678-1178 or 678-2222 for updates.

Interstates: 

I-10 Bridge Repairs, Mile Marker 24, Lordsburg