GRANTS, N.M. – Voters will soon decide on a $230.26 million bond that will help fund improvements at New Mexico State University-Grants.
At the Grants-Milan Rotary Club meeting on October 2, Marlene Toivanen, the campus director of NMSU-G, discussed the upcoming Bond 3 issue and its potential effects on the university and the local community.
If approved, Bond 3 would allocate $3 million to NMSU-G for the renovation of Martinez Hall, a facility built in 1977. Marlene said that if approved, NMSU-G will use the proposed funding aims to: Enhance Campus Safety: Implement card access systems to monitor building entry points, aiming to improve security for students, faculty, and staff.
Renovate Classroom Spaces: Update traditional classroom areas to support new workforce programs and technical training, aligning with modern educational needs.
The renovation projects funded by Bond 3 are expected to create approximately 40 construction jobs in Cibola County. This could provide employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in the region.
Toivanen noted that Bond 3 would not result in an increase in property taxes for residents. The bond is designed to fund educational infrastructure projects across New Mexico without adding financial burdens on taxpayers. Political opinions differ on the impact of bonds on property taxes.
The passage of Bond 3 requires voter approval. Toivanen emphasized the importance of community participation in the voting process, mentioning that in 2020 a similar bond did not pass, which halted essential projects at various campuses, including NMSU-G.
Future Academic Programs and Facilities
The renovations to Martinez Hall are intended to modernize the facility. NMSU-G is considering adding new programs in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship to meet evolving job market demands. Updating the facility would support these initiatives by providing appropriate spaces for instruction and training.
Beyond physical infrastructure, NMSU-G is advocating for additional resources to support student needs:
NMSU plans on addressing food security, housing insecurity, and providing mental health services for students.
Improved mental health supports are on the priority list, with NMSU seeking appropriations to hire licensed counselors to offer on-campus support.
NMSU-G plans on utilizing state funds to develop non-credit workforce training and internships. This includes placing students in local businesses to gain job skills, with the internships funded by the university at no cost to employers.