WNMU WILL RECEIVE $7 MILLION WITH PASSAGE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND B
SILVER CITY—No one debates the importance of education, and on November 7, 2006 every voter in Grant County will be given the opportunity to make a positive difference for our state’s universities and colleges. Western New Mexico University is slated to receive $7 million for the renovation and expansion of the Juan Chacon Building under the General Obligation Bond for Education, also known as Bond B.
The bond issue is placed on the ballot by the New Mexico State Legislature every two years. The 2006 cycle proposes allocating nearly $118 million for capital improvements to New Mexico Higher Education Institutions and Constitutional Special Schools. Capital improvements refer to upgrades of existing buildings and equipment and the construction of new educational facilities.
Without this critical funding for higher education institutions, many of the necessary capital improvements would be postponed or eliminated. These projects benefit not only students, faculty and staff at the various colleges and universities, but also individual communities statewide.
There is a significant economic benefit that results from the passage of Bond B. It is estimated that a multiplier of three to five times the amount of money received by an institution can be used to estimate how the bond will impact the larger community. Many of the contractors for capital projects at WNMU have been local. This infusion of money has trickled down to the suppliers, restaurants and shops in the community.
The bond issue must be approved by a majority of voters throughout the state. New Mexico voters have passed Bond B consistently since 1992. Research has shown that counties which have an institution that would receive funding were more likely to pass the bond issue in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2004. Grant County has responded favorably in the past and we hope that support continues.
The Juan Chacon Building renovation and expansion project is regarded as the future of WNMU. The construction project would accomplish a variety of improvements. The JCB project will provide vital space for many educational programs such as nursing, distance learning center, digital media production, computer and network technology, business and office technology, and the drafting and design technology program.
A side benefit of the Bond B passage will be the consolidation of the student services offices in the JCB, making the registration process more efficient for our students. The renovation project will also address the existing structural deficiencies in the JCB, and level the old Student Memorial Building (Cooler) replacing it with green space and parking enhancing the campus. Finally, the project will result in the consolidation of the administrative services offices in the Castorena Administration Building.
WNMU would not be the sole beneficiary if the bond issue passes. Listed below are a few of the capital improvements slated for other New Mexico schools:
· University of New Mexico will design and construct a new college of education, health sciences center education building and science and mathematics learning center, among other projects statewide.
· Central New Mexico Community College, formerly TVI, will build more classroom space and a new technology building.
· Eastern New Mexico University near Roswell will use the money towards an allied health center and dental clinic facilities.
· New Mexico Military Institute will renovate existing buildings.
· New Mexico State University will build new facilities among other infrastructure upgrades and improvements around the state, such as the math and science building at the Alamogordo branch.
· New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired will purchase land and build a facility to house the early childhood program.
The general obligation bond is funded by property taxes collected by the State of New Mexico. The cost will equal approximately $.32 per thousand dollars of the taxable value of a property. For example, this translates to an increase of $10.17 per year on property with an assessed value of $100,000. Those with properties assessed at $250,000 will pay only $25.44 annually.
On November 7, 2006 every voting New Mexican will be given the opportunity to make a positive difference for our state’s universities and colleges, students and communities. Regardless of your political affiliation, voting for higher education is the right thing to do.
If you are interested in a list outlining all the projects that would be possible with passage of Bond B, please contact Julie Morales at the WNMU Public Information Office at 538-6336.
-30-