State

I-25 Northbound Lane Closures

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NMDOT News:

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Transportation started bridge work on the I-25 northbound bridge (MP 282.5) Oct. 10. 

This bridge work is north of the St. Francis Interchange. The contactor will be completing work that started earlier this year, and they will be back in the spring for final paving when temperatures allow.

There will be left and right lane closures and the one lane closure will remain overnight. The lane closures will be in effect from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and this work is anticipated to be completed in four weeks.

NMDOT urges motorists to proceed through Read More

Community Partners Announce Assistance for Furloughed Federal Employees

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U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham

ALBUQUERQUE – U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-01) today announced that several New Mexico community partners have offered to assist federal employees furloughed as a result of the government shutdown.

At Rep. Lujan Grisham’s Oct. 6 roundtable meeting with furloughed federal employees, participants expressed fear and concern that the government shutdown would cause serious financial hardship for them and their families. The furloughed workers told Lujan Grisham that any missed or delayed paychecks would prevent them from paying their mortgage Read More

Luján: Republican Piecemeal Funding Bill Picks Winners and Losers, Would Still Leave Lab Employees Furloughed

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U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District spoke today on the House floor on the importance of swiftly passing a clean funding bill that will end the government shutdown, fund the national laboratories, and ensure that lab employees are not furloughed. 

House Republicans are bringing up piecemeal bills that fund portions of the federal government, but fail to provide full funding to end the shutdown. Below are Luján’s remarks on the floor. Click here to watch his speech.

“Mr. Speaker, Read More

Significant Wind Impacts Today; Northern Mountain Snow

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Courtesy/NWS

NWS News:

The National Weather Service anticipates another vigorous early season cold front to usher in strong wind, cooler temperatures and northern mountain snow. The main impact period is mid-morning to mid-evening today. Wind impacts are expected areawide with accumulating snow limited to the highest terrain of north-central and northwest New Mexico and generally above 9,500 feet.

Key Impacts:

  • Windy to very windy conditions to expand across the area Thursday
  • Potentially damaging wind gusts (up to 60 mph) possible higher terrain and areas to the lee of the
Read More

No RTD Bus Service Columbus Day

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NCRTD News:

The North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD) has announced that the RTD “Blue Buses” will not be in service on Monday Oct.14, in observance of the Columbus Day holiday.

Regularly scheduled bus service throughout north central New Mexico including Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos Counties will resume on Tuesday, Oct.15.

The North Central Regional Transit District provides free bus service Monday through Friday to a service area that encompasses over 10,000 square miles of north central New Mexico including the counties of Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe and Taos; Read More

Comments Sought on State Rail Plan

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NMDOT News:

SANTA FE – The public is invited to provide final comment on the New Mexico State Rail Plan that will serve as a five year plan for the railroad program.

The Rail Plan, which is a federal requirement, sets forth state policy regarding passenger and freight rail transportation. It identifies current and future passenger and freight rail facilities, services, needs, issues and opportunities. The plan also evaluates the benefits, costs and efficiency of potential new projects and services and prioritizes these after considering funding availability and other factors affecting Read More

N.M. Delegation Working to Protect Federal and Lab Workers Hurt by Shutdown

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STATE News:
  • Urges DOE to compensate national lab employees for back pay if furloughed because of shutdown

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich and U.S. Reps. Ben Ray Luján and Michelle Lujan Grisham are working to ensure that federal workers in New Mexico are not financially hurt in the long-term by the federal government shutdown.

New Mexico is home to roughly 27,000 federal workers, and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) employ an additional 18,000 New Mexicans.

All four lawmakers are strong supporters of the Federal Employee Read More

NMDOT Holding Outdoor Advertising Hearings

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NMDOT NEWS:

SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) will hold public hearings this month to receive oral and written public comment on Rule Number 18.21.5 NMAC, New Mexico Department of Transportation Outdoor Advertising Requirements. 

The purpose of the proposed rule change is to establish procedures and standards for all off-premises outdoor advertising in New Mexico including the use of changeable electronic variable message signs, to amend the current fee structure, to update and clarify the rule where necessary including definitions and permit-related Read More

Scenes From Balloon Fiesta 2013

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The 42nd Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta kick off Saturday with more than 500 hot air balloons representing 20 countries. The fiesta runs through Oct. 13 at Balloon Fiesta Park. The hot air balloon competitive flying starts today with pilots competing to win cash prizes. Competitive flying will continue throughout the week, taking a break on Wednesday for the Flight of the Nations. The Flight of the Nations will honor the 20 countries participating in the 42nd event, as each flies their nation’s flag from their balloon. For details on events, schedule, entertainment and photographs, Read More

Luján Wants LANL Employees Compensated if Furloughed Due to Government Shutdown

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U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL News:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District spoke today on the House floor in support of H.R. 3223, legislation that ensures furloughed federal employees retroactively receive their pay.

During his remarks, Luján highlighted that it is the intent of Congress to also support contract employees at the national laboratories.

In addition, he submitted into the Congressional Record a letter he is sending Department of Energy Secretary Earnest Moniz to emphasize that fact.  Below are Luján’s remarks as Read More