las cruces seeking state support for new mental health facility

In a long-running effort to build a modern mental health facility, members of the Las Cruces City Council have approved asking for funding next year from the New Mexico State Legislature.

The requested $5.3 million will be used to purchase land for the facility, as well as paying for its planning, design, and construction.

The funding request is part of a larger $31 million capital outlay package that Las Cruces hopes to see approved by lawmakers when the legislature meets for its one-month session in January.

Other big ticket items include $4.5 million to build a proposed transit facility that will be a part of the state-wide Road Runner network; and $3.5 million to design and build a road leading to the new East Mesa Recreational Complex.

Additionally: $3 million to upgrade an existing skate park at 1600 E. Hadley Avenue, as well as building an entirely new one elsewhere in the city.

City officials have for years wanted to build an inpatient/outpatient mental health facility in Las Cruces, noting that the nearest such service is provided by the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute in Las Vegas, New Mexico, nearly 350 miles to the northeast.

By Garry Boulard

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