Governor signs bill cutting Belen project money

March 10, 2010

Gov. Bill Richardson today signed a bill that cuts approximately $348,000 in capital outlay funding for Belen projects.

The City of Belen will lose:

• $147,498 for improvements to the multipurpose park’s fields
• $54,801 for a Belen arsenic removal plan
• $50,000 for arsenic treatment facilities at Wells 6 and 8
• $50,000 for a Miller Road interchange
• $23,070 for improvements to Christopher Road
• $22,647 for the restoration of the Doodlebug

“While these projects have merit, many are more than four years old, or are underfunded and can’t move forward,” Richardson said today in a press release. “We cannot continue to carry forward this money for projects that are not creating jobs, are not providing critical infrastructure and are tying up scarce financial resources.”

The bill originally included cuts to funding for the North Belen interchange reconstruction, which will provide access to Rancho Cielo, and infrastructure for Signet Solar, a major solar technology manufacturer. That funding cut didn’t remain in the final bill signed by Richardson.

Posted in: Budget Infrastructure