A wide variety of facility construction and upgrade projects in the second largest county in New Mexico may soon receive funding depending upon the mood of voters in November.
Members of the Dona Ana County Board of Commissioners have unanimously voted to approve putting on the November ballot a question calling for up to $140 million in general obligation bonds to pay for the various projects.
The bond proposal will be the first of its kind in the history of Dona Ana County and is expected to fund upgrades to some sixteen community centers as well as county buildings.
The bond will also target planning and design work at the Dona Ana County Fairgrounds, which is home to the annual large Southern New Mexico State Fair. Work at that site could see improvements to the Fairgrounds’ existing amphitheater.
Additional projects may see the building of at least two new recreational centers on both the northern and southern end of the county.
In a statement, Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez, chairman of the commission, said improving the county’s various facilities will “not only enhance the lives of our residents, but also drive economic development.”
Commission members have said that if the bond passes, a process will be launched asking the public to prioritize the most important projects.
June 11, 2025
By Garry Boulard
Dona Ana County seal
