Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
QCS Staff
The directors of the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation on Jan. 27 approved the lease of about about 90 acres of economic development zone property to Mesalands Community College.
The property will house facilities for the college’s animal and farrier science and rodeo programs, and a multipurpose facility encompassing an indoor practice arena and classrooms. The multi-purpose facility will be available for community functions as well, according to Dr. Thomas Newsom, president of the college.
The college will compensate the economic development corporation with 10 percent of the proceeds from community events at the multi-purpose facility, Patrick Vanderpool, executive director of the economic development corporation, said.
City Manager Jared Langenegger reported delays in a follow-up from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to recruit participants in a home improvement grant and loan program that would benefit Tucumcari home owners.
The program would make up to $7,500 available to each qualifying homeowner to install insulation, wheelchair ramps, indoor climate-control systems and other fixtures that enhance home safety and energy efficiency.
The delays, Langenegger said, are due to personnel changes and cuts in travel budgets.
Langenegger said he has talked to USDA officials about training city staff to assist homeowners with applications, then submitting the applications to USDA.
Pat Vanderpool, executive director of the economic development corporation, said recruiting qualifying contractors to perform work for the USDA program may be a challenge.
On other matters, Vanderpool said:
• Several possibilities are under discussion on uses for the ALCO Store building after the store shuts down. No closing date has been announced for the store.
• Animal waste-to-methane project proposed for the site of an abandoned ethanol plant in the city’s northeast corner is on hold due to delays in grant processing.