Officials add to NMDOT improvement list

PORTALES — A large dip on Fir Street and deterioration on a section of New Mexico 88 are among items Roosevelt County commissioners have added to a New Mexico Department of Transportation improvement list.

NMDOT's State Transportation Improvement Program encourages the public to suggest federal and state highway improvements, according to County Manager Amber Hamilton, who fielded requests from commissioners at their Tuesday meeting.

Commissioner Matthew Hunton pointed out that mile marker 10 to 14 of New Mexico 88 "is starting to lose the shoulder all the way through there."

Commissioners Dennis Lopez and Shane Lee both identified a large crevice on the intersection of North Avenue I and Fir Street — which becomes New Mexico 267 — as a concern.

"The way they put that dip in there is very dangerous," Lee said.

"That whole road needs attention," added Commissioner Paul Grider.

Hamilton said there is "a significant amount of need in this area for state roads that we're not seeing a commitment to on the plan, so that's obviously the concern."

Also at Tuesday's meeting:

• Commissioners approved the disposal of three sheriff's office vehicles through auction.

Sheriff Malin Parker said the vehicles have "high miles, different maintenance issues. Don't want to end up putting more money into a wore-out vehicle, so we're requesting to just dispose of those."

• In a workshop to identify the specific fleet needs of county departments in the 2019 budget, Parker said his office only needs one patrol vehicle and one transport vehicle.

He added that his department would likely be able to transfer a van to the Roosevelt County Detention Center, thus fulfilling that department's needs for 2019.

Maintenance Director Gary Spinks requested only one cargo van to transport tools to and from the county's maintenance barn.

Road Supervisor Juan Dominguez requested two pickup trucks, five tractor blades and three large trucks.