The New Mexico Department of Transportation recently completed the first-of-its-kind assessment of all state highways. The results show New Mexico roadways are in significantly worse shape than previously thought, with only 70 percent in good or fair condition. Officials say this is a reflection of the state road fund taking a double hit in recent years from the slow economy as well as fewer federal funds. During the current legislative session, there appears to be consensus on the need, but disagreement on how to pay for the solution.
Governor Susana Martinez has proposed setting aside 300 million dollars over the next five years for highway maintenance and construction projects around the state, saying the infusion would speed up repairs while also boosting the state’s economy. Under the governor’s plan, the money would come from the Legislature’s annual infrastructure bond package –or so-called “pork” funds backed by oil and gas severance taxes.
Senate Finance Committee Chair John Arthur Smith has announced that he will be proposing a five-cent a gallon tax hike. The Deming Democrat says the gas tax in New Mexico has been the same for at least the past 20 years at 17-cents a gallon with three-cents going to local communities for their roads. Smith is seeking to change that.
020915-AM RoadFunding 1:32 Q: but it’s gonna be a big start.”
Leavell says roads in his southeastern New Mexico District are some of the worst in the state and the most dangerous, due in part to heavy oil and gas truck traffic. He adds that in Lea and Eddy Counties, there’s been an average of a death a week on the roads for the past year…. Something he insists is not acceptable.
Federal prosecutors say they plan to return money collected under a program that a since convicted New Mexico ex-sheriff set up to allow traffic violators to avoid penalties. A U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman told the Santa Fe New Mexican that donors will be able to apply for a return. According to investigators, Former Rio Arriba County Sheriff Thomas Rodella was letting some deputies give traffic violators the opportunity to elude charges in exchange for donations.
Public Service Company of New Mexico says it's certain the state will end up backing a plan to shut down half of the coal-fired San Juan Generating Station near Farmington. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the utility as well as groups who oppose the plan are preparing briefs for a hearing examiner before a final round of counter-briefs later this month. The plan has been a source of debate over the course of three weeks of public hearings. Several groups, including the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, have come out against the plan citing the cost. The hearing examiner will make a recommendation to the state Public Regulation Commission. The plan would replace lost electricity from coal with a mix of nuclear, natural gas and solar power.
The state is investigating a Taos health care facility for leaving 80 workers without health insurance in order to cover paychecks. KRQE-TV reports that state Superintendent of Insurance John Franchini says Tri-County Community Services secretly used employee insurance premiums last year to make payroll. Franchini says it's against the law to borrow employees' money that is supposed to be invested in benefits. Officials say Tri-County missed payments to Blue Cross Blue Shield. The health insurance provider then canceled the group policy, leaving some workers stunned with large medical bills. Tri-County Board Chair Larry Mapes says the company felt at the time they could meet payroll and insurance needs. Mapes says he is sorry and the agency will make sure workers are not stuck with huge bills.
Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzalez says his proposal to have gender-neutral bathrooms does not mean men and women would have to share a restroom. Gonzalez told the New Mexican on Saturday that several misconceptions have arisen since he announced the resolution during an address last week. In his remarks, Gonzales said he would introduce a resolution requiring that every single-stall bathroom in Santa Fe be gender-neutral. The mayor says the ordinance will not affect people's privacy or multi-stall bathrooms across the city. Gonzales, who is openly gay, says he is fulfilling a promise he made after hearing from the city's transgender community. He is working with the City Attorney's Office on the wording of the resolution. He says a vote could happen in spring or summer.
Santa Fe Weather: Sunny today through tomorrow with highs in the low 60s. Tonight: Mostly clear with the overnight low, 32.