Work could begin later this year on the extension of a natural gas pipeline in northeast New Mexico’s San Juan County.
The project is taking a big step forward with the announcement of a $1.8 million grant awarded by the New Mexico Department of Economic Development.
As planned, the 11-mile extension will be built adjacent to New Mexico Highway State Road 170 as it heads into the 190-acre San Juan County Industrial Park in the small town of La Plata, population 503.
In making the announcement, Alicia Keyes, Economic Development Secretary, said the extension represents an “innovative, strategic investment of state Local Economic Development Act dollars that will expend capacity in a rural community and create hundreds of jobs.”
The park, nearly 20 miles to the north of Farmington, formerly served as the headquarters for the BHP Billiton coal mining company, operators of one of the largest underground mines in the country.
The property was subsequently acquired by San Juan County.
County officials have said that with the completion of the natural gas pipeline, the industrial park will be marketed for its warehouse and manufacturing potential. Plans are already in the works for a portion of the site to be used as a backlot for the Farmington-based production company Totah Studios.
By Garry Boulard
