Date:
4/3/2002
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Donna Gutierrez
ROSWELL – When voters go to the polls Nov. 5, they will decide the fate of a multi-million dollar bond issue proposed for education projects throughout the state, including $450,000 for infrastructure improvements at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell.
The 2002 Capital Projects General Obligation Bond Act to authorize the issuance and sale of public educational capital improvements and acquisitions bonds was authorized by the 2002 State Legislature. If Question B, or the education question of the act is approved by a majority of voters on Nov. 5, the money will become available for public schools, colleges and universities in New Mexico.
"As our campus continues to age, we are identifying building repair and replacement
projects that we are unable to fund through our budget," said Dr. Judy Armstrong, Provost.
"Two of our buildings are in desperate need of roof replacements. Approval of this bond money is the only way we can fund these projects and we would appreciate the community's support," Armstrong added.
The roof of the Occupational Technology Center is past the end of its functional life and
with each passing year waterproofing deteriorates. Frequent leaks have disrupted classroom activities and pose a health and safety hazard, threatening the structural integrity of the building.
Likewise, the roof of the Automotive and Welding Technology building leaks frequently,
jeopardizing the college's considerable investment in equipment. The roof is 27 years old and secured by thousands of screws with deteriorating rubber gaskets that allow the rain to penetrate the roof.
Approval of Bond Issue B will also fund a $4 million Communication Center on the ENMU campus in Portales. The center will house public broadcasting television and radio stations (KENW-TV and KENW-FM), as well as classrooms. ENMU would also receive $1,250,000 for infrastructure improvements for roofs, renovations and repairs. The ENMU Ruidoso Instructional Center would also receive $135,000 for infrastructure improvements if voters say yes in November.