Lifestyle

Mental Health Wednesday

Body
As January draws to a close, it's a fitting time to pause and reflect on your mental health and wellbeing. The initial fervor of the new year has given way to routine, and the challenges of life continue to unfold. Embracing mental resilience remains a vital aspect of our journey through 2024.

NM Environment Department Issues Request for Information to Develop Strategic Water Supply

Body
SANTA FE — Following Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s announcement at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai and as highlighted in the 2024 State of the State Address delivered earlier this week, the New Mexico Environment Department today released a Request for Information (RFI) related the strategic water supply. “To meet the demands of communities now and in the future, to sustain our economic growth, and to meet this moment with a first-of-its-kind solution, the Strategic Water Supply will build a secure, resilient water future for our state,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “The Strategic Water Supply will preserve our freshwater and spur the private sector to turn an untapped resource into water that we can use without asking taxpayers to front the cost.” The RFI is the first step in developing the strategic water supply. During this phase, NMED is seeking technical and economic information from individuals, businesses, academia, government agencies, and other stakeholders related to the sourcing, treatment, delivery, storage, and industrial uses of brackish water and produced water. The RFI closes on March 31, 2024. This summer, the state will publish a request for proposals and project-specific concept papers. NMED anticipates announcing the request for proposal and project-specific concept papers in summer 2024, with submissions due in fall 2024. “This gamechanging water initiative is essential to fueling the next generation of New Mexico’s clean jobs, growing our economy, and conserving our freshwater sources,” said Environment Cabinet Secretary James Kenney. “New Mexico is meeting the urgency of the moment with this innovative climate and economic solution.” The strategic water supply will support the nation’s transition to renewable energy and advanced manufacturing by providing waterintensive processes an alternative to consuming the state’s limited freshwater supplies. Such industries include green hydrogen, electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, critical minerals, microchips, solar panels, wind turbines, and more. Through a $500 million investment stemming from severance taxes collected by the state from extractive industries, New Mexico will make an advanced market commitment to purchase treated brackish and treated produced water through contracts later this year. In this instance, the advanced market commitment model, used in other industries like healthcare for manufacturing vaccines, reduces the risk of private sector investment and spurs first movers to build The Environment Department’s mission is to protect and restore the environment and to foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations. Otherwise, costly infrastructure. Companies that are awarded an advanced market commitment contract can secure private capital to build and operate water treatment facilities with the assurance the State of New Mexico will purchase the water. Then, the state will make the water available for creating green hydrogen; storing energy produced by wind and solar; manufacturing electric vehicles, microchips, solar panels, and wind turbines; and other uses as treatment and demand allow.

Community Calendar

Body
Thursday January 18th, 2024 at the Special Education Complex: If you suspect your child has learning concerns or issues, including giftedness, and you would like to have your child's skills screened, please call Desiraye Lopez 285-2643 to make an appointment. Please make an appointment. All screenings are free. Parents will be informed of screening results at the conclusion of the screening session. Ages 3-21 years old. Your child's skill development will be ·screened in each of the following areas: Language and communication skill development, Cognition, problem solving, memory and thinking skills, Social Behavior, Motor (muscle and coordination) skills January 20 Free Movie – Nomadland

TurfMutt’s Tips for Enjoying Your Yard, A Winter Wonderland

Body
Spending time outside in your own backyard and community green space – backyarding, as the TurfMutt Foundation calls it – is good for you no matter what time of year. When winter hits and the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, it just takes a little more creativity to turn your yard into an outdoor oasis.

Mental Health Wednesday

Body
As we step into the promising realm of a new year, it's imperative to continue prioritizing our mental health. While New Year's resolutions often focus on physical health and productivity, nurturing your emotional and mental well-being should remain a central goal for a fulfilling and balanced year ahead.

Mental Health Wednesday

Body
As Christmas draws nearer, the holiday spirit is in full bloom. The twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the anticipation of spending quality time with loved ones create an atmosphere of warmth and joy.

County Receives Distinguished Budget Award

Body
CHICAGO, IL – Government Finance Officers Association is pleased to announce that County of Cibola, New Mexico, has received GFOA’s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its budget. The award represents a significant achievent by the entity.