Federal transportation funding will support planning for an industrial park near the Columbus port of entry and road improvements in Columbus and Deming

Organ Mountain News report

DEMING - Luna County will receive $2.9 million in federal transportation funding to advance road improvements and plans for an industrial park near the Columbus Land Port of Entry.

U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez announced the award Friday, saying the funding will support infrastructure upgrades in Columbus and Deming while helping the county expand international trade and economic development.

A 2017 Luna County planning study found that increasing trade between the United States and Mexico had contributed to heavier freight traffic through downtown Columbus and Deming. Many of the area’s older roads were not designed to carry that volume of commercial traffic, according to Vasquez’s office.

The new funding will help Luna County continue planning for an industrial park near the port of entry, improve roads used by commercial trucks and connect local businesses with regional trade networks.

“Luna County has a great opportunity to grow its international trade with Mexico and create more jobs and revenue, but the county’s roads and infrastructure must be improved,” Vasquez said.

He said the investment could support economic growth without compromising the safety of truck drivers or residents.

Luna County Manager Chris Brice said the award will allow the county to move forward with its plans for an industrial park serving the port of entry and the village of Columbus.

“With this BUILD award, we can continue to move forward with our regional plans for a future industrial park at the Columbus Land Port of Entry and the village of Columbus,” Brice said.

Brice described the project as a potentially significant expansion of trade and development in Luna County, though the release did not provide a construction schedule or identify the specific road projects that would receive funding.