Community Economic Development Partnership Tailored to Serving Rural Communities
Questa – Governor Susana Martinez announced the New Mexico communities of Anton Chico, Aztec, Carrizozo, Edgewood, Galisteo, Magdalena, Questa, and Tularosa have been selected for this year’s New Mexico Frontier Communities Program. Signed into law by Governor Martinez last year, this community economic development partnership program is designed specifically to serve New Mexico’s rural communities that are not able to participate in the MainStreet program.
“Frontier Communities helps to strengthen our treasured and historic rural communities by creating and supporting economic development projects,” said Governor Martinez. “With the professional support of this program, we are confident that these communities will be able to attract more businesses.”
This year’s Frontier Communities are Anton Chico, Aztec, Carrizozo, Edgewood, Galisteo, Magdalena,Questa, and Tularosa:
- Anton Chico: Business and facility development. Anton Chico is a community based on a land grant dating back to the 1500s. The land grant required the construction of schoolhouse, which the community wishes to adapt to fit the needs of a business incubator and commercial kitchen.
- Aztec: Aztec recognizes the potential of the Animas River Corridor to bring the community together and get people outside and active. This project will examine connecting the town to the Aztec Ruins National Monument and World Heritage site via a river path, as well as enhancing branding.
- Carrizozo: Carrizozo seeks to revitalize a proposed Historic District in downtown, with the aim of increasing community pride, and attracting people to live and conduct business. This project will address two historic buildings: the Tin Shop (built 1913) and the former Yucca Bar& Grill (built circa 1938).
- Edgewood: Edgewood has successfully organized around its heritage as an Historic Route 66 community. This project will develop a branding campaign that will create immediate recognition of the services and characteristics of the town.
- Galisteo: Galisteo seeks to address the right-of-way along New Mexico Highway 41,with particular focus on the village center. The vision for this project includes a walkable area with amenities using historic development patterns and building techniques that will incorporate the existing buildings and open space.
- Magdalena: Magdalena is revitalizing its historic Municipal Complex and Cultural Centeron Main Street as part of an effort to capitalize on tourism through the area. This project will focus on the development of a concept for “The Cosmic Park,” envisioned to be an interactive public art installation utilizing pieces of equipment from the famous nearby Very Large Array.
- Questa: Questa seeks to reinvest in the village center to foster community pride and invigorate the economic climate. This revitalization project will address rehabilitation and restoration of buildings, as well as providing economic development strategies.
- Tularosa: Tularosa seeks to establish a visitors center, located on the historic Granado commercial street. The building and streetscape adjoining it would benefit from revitalization,providing a focal point in the community for residents and visitors.
The Frontier Communities Program provides support for small, rural communities with populations less than 7,500 to develop catalytic economic projects within a traditional or historic commercial district,such as a court house square, town center, or plaza. Projects are selected that have a demonstrably positive impact in job creation, business development, or enhancing the economic environment for the community. The program is coordinated through the New Mexico MainStreet Program, and it also provides professional technical assistance to selected communities.
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October 17, 2014