GRANTS, N.M. – February’s Coffee with the managers, held on the first Thursday of every month, focused on the many upcoming projects throughout the City of Grants and Village of Milan.
Village of Milan Manager, Candi Williams said “It takes a very special person to do projects.”
For the village, the smallest of Cibola’s incorporated communities, which has an annual budget of $8 million, it can be challenge to get things done. Grants and Cibola County governments are all in the same government, rising costs make it a challenge to fix ailing infrastructure which is hitting critical points. But despite the challenges, the governments are moving forward and seeing success.
Funding is an issue because receiving grant funding is not an easy task. This becomes even more difficult when they already have plans to start working on something and then an emergency project comes up, such as a water line needing replacement in the City of Grants that distracts from other projects, or a bridge failing in the rural Cibola County and needing to be repaired. These issues put new projects on hold or impact their funding, to deal with the emergency issue.
However, this year is promising, in terms of focusing on projects and community events.
Roadways and Trails
Several of Grants’ roadways will undergo improvements, focusing on sewer, water, and paving. City of Grants Manager Andrew Valencia thanked Grants Project Manager Nadine Jiron.
Roosevelt Avenue is currently in the design phase of construction.
The roadway, sidewalk, curb, water, and sewer will be restored from Iron Street to Fourth street.
Washington Avenue will also see a similar undergoing, which will start in the next couple of weeks. The project manager says they have already spoken with the schools and public, informing them of this project. They ask that parents of students be aware of the construction and construction workers.
Nimitz Avenue is hoped to be a quick assignment, replacing water and sewer lines.
One of the projects which has been in discussion for quite some time is Sakelares Boulevard, which is currently in the design phase, doing surveying and environmental.
This project will tie in with the trails, as the Second Street Trail will.
Due to the cold weather conditions, they were unable to finish the Second street trail. The City hopes the weather will become warmer so they will be able to pave the trail, which goes up Roosevelt, around another street, down Washington, and onto Second street.
This trail will be able to have wheelchairs on it, though its won’t be flat.
The handrails are currently being created, so the project will be able to be finished sooner. Because this trail will be located behind a school, the school will be able to use it, providing another track.
Other Projects
Over $37 million dollars are tied into the ongoing projects in Milan. One of these projects is the public swimming pool. Originally, the roof was the only thing thought to be in need of repairing or replacement, but after they received their grant, they discovered much more needed to be repaired. This job will take a few years and cost about $8 million, nearly triple what they had originally asked for.
Roberta’s place has recently received funding to create another building, which is currently in the works.
It has not yet been decided what will happen to the previous one, perhaps storage or removal.
This organization has also received money to replace their lift station, which will be used in the second facility and is in progress. The multi-purpose arena, according to a Grants project coordinator is nearly finished. The building is in place, the structure is up. The construction will soon be finished.
Main Street Project
Tourism is an important part of any community. It is what keeps the community alive and thriving.
So, with that in mind, their is a plan to attract more tourism.
The designs are currently being worked on. It involves adding park benches, lights, and improving the overall aesthetic.
They are asking for the community to get involved and give their opinion. A survey can be taken on Grants MainStreet page as well as the special projects page.
They encourage for members of the community to tell them what you would like to see, what you do not, and anything else you can tell them in terms of attracting tourism.
Upcoming Events
The quad, which is to take place on the 15th, will be the third in Grants history to not have snow.
Normally, this even has a section for skiing, but that won’t happen this year. Instead, it will be replaced with running.
There are currently about 170 participants, which is less than usual.
Les Gaines encourages anyone who loves to run or dislikes skiing to join this event.
Father Keller announced they will be hosting the Mount Taylor Music Festival, which take place on the 2nd and 3rd of May.
The first day of the festival will take place at the performing arts center. One of the artists performing in the concert will by Terry McBride.
The second day of the event will have six acts, one of which will be John Paycheck. This event will have food and vendors and is family friendly for any who wish to join. At the end a raffle will be held, in which the winner will receive a commercial piece of property on route 66, which was gifted to St. Theresa. The proceeds will be given to St. Theresa School.
With many of these projects being planned, Grants is likely to see great improvements throughout the rest of the year.