Oct. 17 – There are four statewide bond questions on this year’s general election ballot. If approved by voters, the general obligation bond projects would be funded with state property taxes.
This year’s bond package would not increase the state tax rate.
Universities, public libraries and senior centers across the state all rely on bond financing to maintain buildings and equipment. The most expensive projects in the bond package all fall under the higher education bond issue, which calls for $230.2 million for capital projects.
These are the four most expensive projects in the bond package:
1. $52 million to replace the UNM Humanities building
Bond demand three includes $52 million to replace the University of New Mexico Humanities Building with a new Humanities and Social Sciences Complex. The financing is intended for the demolition of the old building and the planning, construction, furnishing and equipment of the new building.
The Humanities Building, built in 1971, is in constant need of repairs, said Jennifer Malat, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
2. $35 million for renovation of the UNM College of Pharmacy
The higher education bond issue would also provide UNM with $35 million to renovate the College of Pharmacy building.
According to College of Pharmacy Dean Don Godwin, the college trains many New Mexico pharmacists, with 81% of actively licensed pharmacists in the state graduating from the program.
3. $20 million for new infrastructure at NMSU
New Mexico State University would receive $20 million to plan, build, renovate and equip campus infrastructure, including steam and electrical systems.
4. $15 million for agricultural and scientific research stations
The State of New Mexico would also receive $15 million to plan, construct, renovate, repair and equip agricultural science and experiment stations throughout the state. NMSU has 12 agricultural science centers statewide, as far north as Farmington and as far south as Las Cruces.
The science centers explore topics such as water management, soil health, lightweight calf health, sustainable livestock production, greenhouse gas mitigation, big game management, cropping systems, Chile and crop adaptability, according to the NMSU Agricultural Experiment Station website.
