Editor,
I am writing in response to the commentary by Javier Sanchez in the September 11, 2024 issue of the Rio Grande Sun. The commentary was rife in inaccuracies as well as conjecture.
In Sanchez’s commentary, he makes the false accusations that no movement has taken place with the nursing home project. He stated that there has been no movement since the 2019 GO Bond was passed other than the purchase of the land on April 29, 2022 for the project and a possible date for ground breaking the following spring.
I find it odd that he would even make this comment considering to my knowledge he has not had any involvement, or even reached out to Rio Arriba County for a status update. So, lets talk about where we are and how we got here.
First off, the County did put forth a bond on the local election ballot in 2019 that was passed by the voters to fund 3 projects: $12 million to fund specified road projects and to purchase road equipment; $12 million for the skilled nursing home and $6 million for a recreation complex.
In 2021 when a new administration was put in place, little to no movement happened on the County’s side regarding that skilled nursing home aside from the land being acquired and re-zoned. No plans were in place, minimal meetings and discussion had taken place, and not to mention that Post-Covid the amount to build this facility has gone up substantially, were talking almost three to five times the original anticipated amount.
So unfortunately with what originally passed in the bond issue is now not going to be sufficient to build the nursing facility. The total price tag for the facility is now hovering around 24 million dollars. The County currently has in the vicinity of $14 million in our budget for the project.
The current County Commission and Administration is committed to see this project to completion. The County has been actively lobbying for additional money from the legislature and applying for possible grant money. If all else fails, we have other plans in place to consider in order to cover the difference.
The County has been meeting regularly with the architects, building contractors, and nursing home experts to strategize and plan the facility. We are pleased to announce that the construction will begin in late January 2025 with a completion date towards the end of the year.
The County has met with the City of Española to acquire all permits required and the construction plans will soon be going to the state for their approval. Geological studies have been completed on the land, so we are full speed ahead. A formal ceremonial ground breaking will be forthcoming.
Therefore Mr. Sanchez, your whole commentary was unfounded with many inaccuracies. A simple phone call or email could have certainly given him accurate updates and information. Finally, for the sake of transparency, the $12 million for the roads has been used for the purpose they were proposed, and the $6 million has now grown to 9 million held for the recreation center which will be the next project undertaken.
I want to thank the county team who has and is working extremely hard and diligent to ensure this project is completed, as we all recognize the need for it in our community.
Rio Arriba County will always strive to honor its commitment to the constituents.
Respectfully,
Jeremy G. Maestas
Rio Arriba county manager