Socorro mayor outlines legislative priorities; Rep. Small signals possible funding paths for rodeo arena

During Tuesday’s city council meeting, Mayor Ravi Bhasker is hoping to get legislative funds during the session opening next week for continued construction of a new police station, the final phase of upgrades at Finley Gym and securing additional support for improvements at the Socorro rodeo arena.

Bhasker told councilors the city will join other local governments on Jan. 29 at the Roundhouse, where Bhasker plans to meet with lawmakers and present his capital wish list. 

“It’s a short session, but it’s a money session,” Bhasker said. “We want to make sure our projects stay on the radar.”

Bhasker said that the rodeo arena has seen steady investment in recent years, including new evaporative cooling, a sound system and ongoing work on a caretaker house and clubhouse. He said he hopes to continue improving the facility, which hosts major events throughout the year.

Rep. Nathan Small, who is the chairman of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, said there are two primary ways to fund such projects: individual legislators’ capital outlay allocations and the statewide Major Recreational Facilities Program, a fund created several years ago to support community recreation infrastructure.

He said the program has historically provided up to $50 million annually for statewide projects, and it may have already contributed to past improvements at the Socorro arena.

Small said that despite slowing revenue growth, New Mexico remains in a stronger financial position than many other states, allowing lawmakers to continue investing in infrastructure, housing and economic development. 

Bhasker said the city will continue working with state lawmakers to secure support for local priorities. 

“We’ve got a lot of projects underway, and we want to keep that momentum going,” he said.