After more than 200-meetings, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission will vote today on the future of the Gila River. Specifically the water-planning panel will decide whether to accept federal funds to build a diversion and storage system along the Gila. Under a 2004 settlement with Arizona, New Mexico is entitled to an average of about four-and-a-half billion gallons a year. Supporters say New Mexico has a rare chance to develop a new source of water, but critics say the price tag of diversion could reach one-billion dollars. The state must declare its intentions by years’ end.
Lawmakers and Governor Susana Martinez are asking that millions of dollars be added to a state fund in the hope of creating more jobs. The Albuquerque Journal reports that the legislative Jobs Council is recommending that 50 million dollars be earmarked for a state "closing fund" in the coming year. That sum is more than triple the 15-million appropriated this year. Lawmakers say closing funds in other states are much bigger and give them an edge in courting businesses and developing jobs. Martinez had advocated for adding to the fund during her re-election campaign. She has said the fund was used to help businesses hire more workers and recruit out-of-state companies. The fund comes from discretionary grant money made available under the Local Economic Development Act.
The directors of Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, along with other CEOs of top employers in the state, including the Air Force Research Laboratory, Intel, PNM Resources and Northrop Grumman, have committed to an effort promoting so-called “STEM” education. “STEM” for science, technology, engineering and math. Kurt Steinhaus is the Community Programs Office Director at Los Alamos National Laboratory. *****112414-Steinhaus-2 :31*****Steinhaus notes that 41-percent of the lab’s employees are native New Mexicans, and most are employed in science and technology area. He says this makes STEM education important. Steinhaus adds that LANL’s focus on STEM education allows it to serve as a good neighbor for New Mexico and to help produce “a pipeline” of future Lab employees.
A New Mexico man whose passions are pediatric oncology and researching cancer cell growth is among the 32 American students selected as the newest U.S. Rhodes Scholars. Peter Kalugin of Albuquerque will use the scholarship to obtain a master's degree in oncology at Oxford University in England. The Johns Hopkins University senior is currently majoring in molecular and cellular biology as well mathematics. The prestigious Rhodes Scholarships provide all expenses for two or three years of study at Oxford. Also a Goldwater Scholar, Kalugin completed a thesis on brain tumor biology. This year's Rhodes Scholars, who were announced Sunday, were selected from 877 applicants endorsed by 305 colleges and universities.
Governor Susana Martinez will have four new cabinet members when she begins her second term in office. She announced Friday that Scott Verhines is stepping down as state engineer. She has appointed Tom Blaine to the post. Blaine is currently the director of the Environmental Health Division in the New Mexico Environment Department. Art Allison is stepping down as secretary of the Department of Indian Affairs. Kelly Zunie will take his place, making her the first woman to head the agency. Jay Mitchell will replace Greg Myers as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Mitchell is an Air Force veteran. The governor also named Brent Earnest as secretary of the Human Services Department. He will replace Sidonie Squier, who announced her resignation earlier this month. The changes take effect next Monday.
University of New Mexico officials say two students were killed and two other students injured in a collision involving a stolen truck. UNM spokeswoman Dianne Anderson confirmed Sunday that all four people riding in a sedan that was T-boned in a Friday night crash were current students. According to a criminal complaint, Briana Hillard, who was driving the sedan, died at the scene. Matthew Grant underwent surgery but was pronounced dead. Police say Julia Thompson and Joseph Mendoza remain in critical condition. Albuquerque police say 21-year-old Joshua Leal was driving the truck when it crashed, overturning the sedan. Leal and a 16-year-old male passenger fled but were captured a short time later. Leal was booked on several charges including vehicular homicide. The boy also faces similar charges.
Santa Fe Weather: Mostly sunny today, with the high 37. Partly cloudy tonight with the overnight low down to 12. Tomorrow: sunny skies with the high near 40.