County OKs economic development plan

Quay County Commissioners on Monday unanimously approved an economic development plan that would make state funding available for some businesses in unincorporated parts of the county.

County manager Daniel Zamora, who recommended passage of the ordinance that sets up the plan, said the measure is similar to what the City of Tucumcari has now.

He said implementing an economic development plan would make rural businesses in the county eligible for Local Economic Development Act grant funds.

Patrick Vanderpool, executive director of the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation, said he examined Zamora’s proposed ordinance and proclaimed it well-written and well vetted.

“It’s spot-on,” he added.

Commissioners approved the measure with little discussion.

In other business:

-- Road superintendent Larry Moore said the state’s Transportation Project Fund last week awarded the county $767,645.63 to cover a funding shortfall to build a low-water bridge over Trujillo Creek on Old Route 66 between San Jon and Endee.

The current bridge, built in the 1930s, will be bypassed by the new bridge and left standing for the benefit of Route 66 tourists. The county wants to eventually replace at least one other old bridge in that area.

-- Moore said New Mexico Department of Transportation District 4 officials told him construction of turn lanes and other safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. 54 and Airport Road would begin in September.

The intersection has been the site of numerous crashes in recent years, partly because online navigation sites list Airport Road as a shortcut for many travelers to and from Interstate 40.

-- Commissioners approved a 10-year lease agreement with Presbyterian Medical Services for the Quay County Family Health Center at 1302 E. Main St. in Tucumcari.

The rent is $1 a year while the clinic covers the cost of utilities, other services and maintains $1 million in liability insurance.

-- Commissioners approved three fire-protection grant applications for three rural fire districts.

Conservancy Fire District No. 1 is requesting $300,000 for a tanker truck, Conservancy Fire District No. 2 is requesting $230,000 for a brush truck, and the Jordan Fire District is requesting $300,000 for a tanker truck. Conservancy No. 1 and Jordan both are anticipating using $50,000 each to cover the remaining costs of the trucks.

County Fire Marshal Lucas Bugg said it may take as long as 28 months to deliver a new truck after it’s ordered. He said manufacturers are imposing surcharges on some orders, but he was uncertain whether the costs would be stable once the contracts are signed.

-- Zamora said the gross receipts tax revenue during June was “really good,” with sizable increases in the construction, wholesale trade, retail, accommodations and food service sectors.

-- Commissioners approved $314.16 in indigent medical claims from Trigg Memorial Hospital for the month of August.