Prominent figures reflect on lengthy process
GRANTS, N.M. - The City of Grants’ groundbreaking ceremony at the corner of Washington Avenue and First Street was held on April 19. Many prominent figures were present to celebrate the project.
Phase Two will include closure of First Street from Washington Avenue to Roosevelt Avenue. The project will cost approximately $6 million and will include roadway, drainage, water, and wastewater systems, and possibly a lighting alternative dependent upon additional funding. The New Mexico Department of Transportation, Capital Outlay, and the City of Grants provided funding for this project, according to city officials.
Wilson & Company was awarded the project and they are set to begin work immediately. The street is expected to reopen around
December of this year. During construction, Second Street will be utilized as a two-way from Washington Avenue to Roosevelt Avenue. This is an aspect of the project that has some people excited.
“I graduated in 1998 from GHS [Grants High School], and back then, we cruised. Today, with all of everyone’s help, we’re gonna start cruising again,” said Councilor Erik Garcia during Monday’s ceremony.
Speakers included City of Grants Projects Coordinator Donald Jaramillo, former state Senator Clemente Sanchez, current Senator Joshua Sanchez, state Representative Eliseo Alcon, City employee JoAnna Garcia in lieu of NMDOT employee Larry Maynard, Wilson & Company employee Mario Juarez-Infante, Mayor Martin “Modey” Hicks, prospective City Manager Vanessa Chavez, former Mayor Joe Murrieta, and state Representative Harry Garcia, who Jaramillo said “was very key in getting the last, the final funding for the project.”
Clemente Sanchez said, “You know, us as legislators, as your former legislator and your current legislators who will be up here to speak, we all worked hard to get the funds for this project. I can hardly wait till its done; it’ll be a little inconvenient at first, but it’ll get done so anyway, I just want to congratulate the city, the mayor, and everyone that has been involved with this project…. Very proud that we were able to do this, and improve our city here in Grants…”
State Senator Joshua Sanchez added, “We have to thank the people like Mr. Sanchez and [Representative Harry] Garcia that got the money, but I’m here now and I will take the shovel and I’ll keep running and helping you guys with these projects…. This is going to be a great thing for Grants, and I love coming to this town because every time I come, I meet more and more great people in this city and in this county here, so thank you…”
Representative Alcon reflected, “It’s been a long time that we’ve been working on this project, and it’s finally come to fruition. This is my thirteenth year in the [state] legislature, and every year First and Second Street were the top of the projects for the City of Grants. It took thirteen years and we’re finally gonna get it done. Wow, this is fantastic…. I hope it comes out the way it was planned, I really do, and it’s gonna be a big dream.”
“It’s been a long time coming,” stated JoAnna Garcia. “As far as I know, it’s been about fourteen years…. I’d really like to say a big thank you to the City of Grants for all their dedication and hard work and getting this job accomplished. I’m just so excited. Finally, it’s here, 14 years in the making.”
Mario Juarez-Infante, Wilson & Company, spoke about the history behind trying to get the road done all these years and concluded, “Congratulations to the community. There are many, many great things to come. Again, because of all of these partners here today, no one alone can do it, right? But together, we can, so thank you.”
Mayor Hicks stated, “Joe [Murietta] started this project fourteen years ago, and Joe, I’m completing it. Thank God for that. Vanessa, step up here real quick. It took me awhile to get Grants back on track, I had to remove the city manager – this is gonna be our new city manager [Vanessa Chavez]. I don’t see we’re gonna have any problems approving her on our next meeting, the 26th, and we’re gonna take this city forward, not backwards. We’re gonna move forward. We can’t fix what’s behind us, but we can fix what’s in front of us. And this right here is living proof of it, guys. All the bridges we’ve done, everything that we’re doing, and I’d like to thank Joe Murrieta for starting it, getting us rolling in that direction, cause now we’re here.”
Vanessa Chavez, the mayor’s recommendation for city manager, addressed the crowd, “I really am glad that the community came together to work together, and it’s gonna be excellent not to have to dodge all these, these big pits! I really am looking forward to how it comes out. Just like Mr. Alcon said, I hope it comes out the way it was planned.”
Former Mayor Joe Murrieta joked, “Finally, we’re gonna have streets that we can drive on without worrying about our vehicles…. I know with Mario [Wilson & Company] here, who I’ve dealt with for many years, that it will be a good project and something we’ll be proud of, and our whole community will be proud of.”
State Representative Garcia concluded, “You know, I was born here in Grants in 1949 and First Street was in the shape it’s in right now. I’m glad it’s getting fixed, and finally gonna get it done.”
Many of the speakers, along with the Grants councilors, then gathered around a pile and with shovels in hand participated in the traditional tossing of the dirt. It was a celebratory occasion that ended with participants enjoying cake, burritos, and refreshments.