Food bank among capital outlay requests at forum

TUCUMCARI — The Food Bank of Eastern New Mexico needs $70,000 for repairs to the walk-in coolers and freezers that allow it to collect and store meat and dairy products safely.

That’s what Food Bank Executive Director Dianna Hernandez told lawmakers Monday during a legislative forum in Tucumcari.

Lawmakers were gathered to hear capital outlay requests and other needs from public officials in northeast New Mexico.

Hernandez said the foundation under the coolers is deteriorating and in need of repair soon and repair costs are estimated at $70,000.

The food bank’s building at 2217 E. Brady is owned by the city of Clovis. Hernandez said part of the facility was built with capital outlay funding about 20 years ago.

State Reps. Dennis Roch, R-Logan and George Dodge, D-Santa Rosa, and State Sens. Pete Campos, D-Las Vegas and Pat Woods, R-Broadview were present for the gathering.

Campos said the main thing to remember with capital outlay requests is that they’re not just about the district or portion of the state represented; they’re intended to help the entire state.

Dodge said the money for capital outlay projects has been declining in recent months. But he said he is optimistic there will be a turnaround and the amount will increase as the next legislative session approaches.

“Capital outlay is the lifeblood of rural communities,” Dodge said. “The money helps fund the development and improvement of infrastructure critical to the communities.”

Roch said legislators representing the eastern portion of the state plan on working together to make sure the numerous needs of the communities are met.

Roch also spoke about his ongoing effort to reform workers compensation laws. He said the laws need changes so that workers who are drunk or high on drugs don’t receive full benefits if they’re hurt at work.

Woods spoke about his efforts to reform public education.

He said he is also involved in water and natural resources committees that are vital to the state’s economic development.

Most of the officials who spoke publicly to lawmakers were from the Quay County area, but representatives from throughout eastern New Mexico were also there.

One of Fort Sumner’s top priorities is replacement of 3,000 feet of a 60-year-old sewer line that runs beneath the school, said the city’s Public Works Director Louie Gallegos.

City Clerk Jamie Wall said Fort Sumner also needs a new ambulance.