A project renovating the University of New Mexico’s Health Sciences Cancer Center has secured a sizable $15 million capital outlay approved by both lawmakers and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
The funding represents one of the largest single capital outlays for all of Bernalillo County, and a portion of a list of projects that UNM officials hoped to see approved this winter legislators.
The school is also receiving a $2.8 million outlay for the renovation of the three-story Tow Diehm Athletic Facility, at 1412 University Boulevard SE. Another $2 million will go towards the construction of the UNM Humanities and Social Sciences Complex.
Just over $1 million is going to a project seeing the renovation of the popular Popejoy Hall performing arts hall, which will include new lighting and the replacement of the original 1960s ceiling.
Some $945,000 is heading for improvements to the school’s main football practice field; and another $675,000 is geared for improvements to the UNM women’s sports facilities.
Smaller amounts are seeing $400,000 targeting the building of a ROTC training field; $250,000 for the renovation of the school’s Indigenous Design + Planning Institute; and $190,000 going for lighting improvements throughout the campus.
The UNM cancer center project has been a three-phase effort, with work on the second phase launching late last year and expectations of mid-2025 completion date.
Located at 1201 Camino de Salud NE, the center is the only one of its kind in the state to offer a wide range of treatment programs, including the use of theranostics.
By Garry Boulard
