County road lawsuit dismissed

Staff report

Special Judge Richard Knowles of Santa Fe on Friday dismissed a new lawsuit filed by landowners against Curry County for closing County Road R.

Knowles said during an hour and a half hearing that he didn’t see any different issues in the new lawsuit than those in one originally filed in October 2012 and later voluntarily withdrawn. Knowles suggested their attorney Rick Queener file a motion with Mowrer to amend the original lawsuit.

Queener said he hasn’t decided if he will file the motion.

The road on the western perimeter of Cannon Air Force Base was closed in 2012 by county commissioners after base officials cited security concerns. A road viewing committee appointed by county commissioner's recommended the closing.

County Attorney Steve Doerr said the closing was done in accordance with state law and Queener’s clients have no right to an appeal.