A Public Service of Santa Fe Community College
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Mar. 24 First News: LANL Cleanup Costs Much Higher Than Original Estimate (Listen)

The Government Accountability Office says work to clean up radioactive waste at one of the federal government's premier nuclear laboratories is costing more than expected. The watchdog agency says by the end of the last fiscal year, the National Nuclear Security Administration spent about $931 million to remove contaminated equipment and soil from Los Alamos National Laboratory. That's $202 million more than the agency's 2006 estimate. The GAO says in a report released Monday that the nuclear agency is also on track to outspend the latest cost predictions and needs to improve its estimates to better reflect current conditions. Federal officials acknowledged the uncertainty though since a radiation leak last year forced the indefinite closure of the government's only underground nuclear waste repository in southeastern New Mexico.

The mayors of Santa Fe and Las Vegas are among those pleased with the news that the television series Longmire is returning to New Mexico. The New Mexico Film Office announced Monday that the hit drama series is scheduled to begin production on its fourth season later this month with it lasting through the end of June. The production will employ more than 100 New Mexico crew members, 40 New Mexico actors and approximately one-thousand New Mexico background talent throughout the season. Santa Fe Mayor Javier Gonzales says, quote, "Not only is 'Longmire' a great show that features all the incredible natural beauty of Northern New Mexico, it has been critical to helping us build Santa Fe's reputation as the best place to film in the country." And Las Vegas Mayor Alfonso Ortiz, Jr added, again quoting, "The 'Longmire' family is now a Las Vegas family and we welcome their return home with open arms."

KSFR is holding its Spring fund-raiser this week—and we’re asking you to help us end it as soon as possible by calling in your contribution to 505-428-13-93…. Or toll-free, 1-866-907-5737. You may also pledge online—at KSFR-dot-org. Thank you for your support.

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez is in Washington, D.C., to talk business. Martinez is attending a two-day conference organized by the U.S. Commerce Department and Select USA to bring together investors from around the world, government officials and others. The Governor’s office says she plans to address the American Bankers Association Summit today before returning to New Mexico. The Republican governor is fresh off a bitter legislative session in which lawmakers failed to approve nearly 270 million dollars in public works projects, many of which included infrastructure improvements around the state. Lawmakers did approve a $6.2 billion budget that included money for attracting businesses to New Mexico. The budget is awaiting Martinez's approval.

The vacant Albuquerque Public Schools’ Superintendent job has drawn more than 40 applicants from New Mexico and across the country.  The APS Board of Education released Monday the names of the applicants and said the deadline for applications has been extended another week. Among those who have applied for the job are New Mexico Voices for Children Executive Director and former Public Education Secretary Veronica Garcia. Georgia State Superintendent John Barge and Houston Independent School District Chief School Officer Michael Cardona also have applied. Finalists will be selected and will participate in community forums in April. Former superintendent Winston Brooks resigned from the post in August after the board bought out the last two years of his contract.

Santa Fe Weather: Mostly sunny today through tomorrow. Today’s high, 64, it’ll be 60 tomorrow. Tonight: Partly cloudy with the overnight low, 34.