Storm grant goes to Roosevelt board for approval

PORTALES — A $750,000 grant to help soften the blow of storms in August 2017 will come before the Roosevelt County Commission for approval today.

The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management grant was announced in December after Gov. Susana Martinez declared a “severe and powerful thunderstorm” on Aug. 3 a disaster in the county.

Factors including “extensive damage to rural roads and electrical infrastructure” made the disaster declaration imperative, according to Martinez.

County Manager Amber Hamilton said the funding was essential in making repairs to over 60 miles of county road, which she added would cost roughly $4.5 million.

“This was a catastrophic event and certainly exceeded the county’s financial capacity to facilitate these repairs alone,” she said.

Also at today’s meeting at 9 a.m. in the Roosevelt County Courthouse:

• An update regarding the Roosevelt County Detention Center’s pilot program for Narcan, a drug designed to reverse opioid overdoses.

• A discussion by County Attorney Randy Knudson of opioid litigation and a possible legal battle.

• A review of the county treasurer’s office’s delinquent tax collection.

• Possible action regarding second-quarter budget adjustments.

• Consideration of contracts with two companies: Radiology Associates of Albuquerque and Fresenius Kidney Care.