Tag Archives: new mexico

$2M For Green Job Training Goes To New Mexico Community Colleges

Posted on November 1, 2011 by
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$2 million in grants have been awarded to three community colleges in New Mexico; Central New Mexico Community College, Santa Fe Community College and Mesalands Community College were the recipients of the grants from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, made possible by a grant of $6 million to the state by the US Department of Labor.

The grant will to develop green job training programs or to expand existing programs in the areas of wind energy, green building, solar energy, biofuels and energy efficient design and were awarded to the three community colleges in the state due to their status as centers of excellence as determined by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. The community colleges have received this funding not only to develop and expand green energy programs, but to develop and implement training programs in green energy for people in their own communities and others by training green energy trainers who will then assist other community colleges throughout the state to develop their own green energy courses and programs, according to Celina Bussey, the Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.

Bussey has stated that these community colleges will begin a process of providing education in green energy-related industries at educational institutions all across the state, beginning in areas where renewable energy related businesses are already growing.

For its part, Central New Mexico Community College plans to expand its existing solar photovoltaic energy and solar thermal energy programs via a new sustainable technologies laboratory created by the college in September at their north Albuquerque Workforce Training Center. Central New Mexico Community College will also put together a train the trainer program for schools across the state including the development of manuals for instructors and students alike.

Santa Fe Community College plans to expand its existing green building, energy efficiency and biofuel-related non-credit and certificate programs as well as working to assist Central New Mexico Community College, Luna Community College and Doña Ana Community College develop curricula in the same industries.

Mesalands Community College will expand the number of courses in wind energy provided by the Mesalands Wind Research and Training Center. The center will also begin to develop new courses in response to demand in the wind energy sector.

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New Mexico Universities Find Solution for Specific Problems

Posted on October 28, 2011 by
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Improvements on parking and surveillance in the universities in New Mexico provide a more detailed solution to specific problems.

In the University of Mexico, it is said that parking is known as one unsolved problems and it has been a problem for over 40 years. A lot of time already passed and none of them are unable to solve what the students call as a “curse”. Actually, it is stated that almost 11,000 parking spaces are available on the campus which also includes the parking spaces on the north and south lots. However, more than 45,000 people are present on the campus at any given day. Another thing is that there is also a restricted “permit only” parking for the houses near the university.

According to Seth Gelpin, Senior, he found a way to solve this problem and also saw it as an opportunity. Gelpin said that the reason why he made a solution is also because he was having problems in parking as well in the UNM area. This is the reason why he decided to make a website known as freecollegeparking.com. The website offers free access to parking maps in UNM as well as other schools in New Mexico. It also includes the streets and neighborhoods that offer legal free parking. All of it is highlighted in green. There is also information about the parking spaces when the users click on a specific parking space. Gulpin said that is part of his long term plan and he plans to continue this websites.

On the other hand, the new cameras that are placed on the Eastern New Mexico University Campus in Portales also did a good job. According to campus police, in just a month, the camera already caught a couple of car burglars near the school. As of now, they said that there are about 11 cameras placed around the campus. The police said that they manage to get clear videos of a group which they suspected to be one of the groups into breaking cars.

According to the police, the modus operandi of the group is to drop a young teen in the parking lot during the day. They said that the girl is seen walking around and she tries to open cars by checking out the handle of doors.

According to campus officials, the cameras cost around $79,000 for installation and they have plans to add 25 more cameras in the future.

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New Measures Revamps State Government Procurement Contracts

Posted on October 25, 2011 by
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Those seeking government contracts in the state of New Mexico will need to look closer at a bill that was recently signed by Governor Susana Martinez. A measure is now in effect where businesses based in New Mexico will maintain an advantage over others that are based out of state when it comes to bidding on government contracts.

The clear goal here is to help the local economy of New Mexico which has had it struggles in recent years. Since local businesses will be given preference with state government contracts, the jobs created by the measure will remain within the state. The easier it becomes for local businesses to tap into the revenue generated by a government contract, the easier it becomes for the local business to grow. Again, this can present the basis for creating and providing jobs.

Previous regulations in the state had provisions in which out of state businesses could qualify for contracts even though the preference within the statute was intended to promote local New Mexico based businesses. Most commonly, this was evident in state financed construction projects.

Generally, state contracts are awarded to those that offer the lowest competitive bid. With the new contract preference component in place, any bid that is put forth by a qualified New Mexico business will receive a 5% deduction on the actual bid amount that was submitted. This does not automatically give the New Mexico business the most competitive bid but it certainly helps the local business become more competitive and attractive in the bidding arena.

Another amendment has been made to pre-existing law. In the past, contracting preference rules did not apply to any bids that were more than $5 million. This is no longer the case under the new measure. As such, more doors are open to local businesses to take advantage of the new regulations. A ripple effect may be derived here as the local residents may be able to equally benefit from the new rules as well.

A common problem that necessitated making such changes to the rules and the statutes was the fact that out of state businesses were employing “shell companies” intended to present themselves as local entities when, in fact, they were not. This was a dubious means in which the out of state company could tap into contracts that should have gone to local ones. This loophole has been closed and now those companies that are based out of state will have to compete in a fairer and more honest manner. Read more …

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New Mexico Cop Pulled Over By A Fake Cop

Posted on October 22, 2011 by
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Some people act in ways that make sense to only them. While most of us would think that if someone were doing something that obviously breaks the law, the last thing that we would want to do is to put ourselves in a position to get in trouble with the law. Most people would think that putting themselves in this position would be the height of stupidity!  But that’s exactly what took place in Abuquerque, NM when a 42 year-old man decided to not only impersonate a cop, but he decided to pull over a cop. Tyree Applebee for reasons only known to himself decided that he should impersonate a cop. However, things took a turn for the strange and for the worse when Tyree Applebee decided to pull over a cop. When the cop reviewed details on the arresting “officer”, it was discovered that Tyree not only wasn’t a cop, but he had a warrant out for his arrest.

Tyree denied that his intentions were to impersonate a cop. He claims the he noticed a strange car in the parking lot of his associate’s place of business. Tyree wanted to be a good friend, and he wanted to ward the stranger away. In the end, not only was Tyree cited for impersonating a cop, but he was promptly arrested based upon his outstanding warrant.

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Santa Fe New Mexico Welcome The World’s Newest Movie Studio

Posted on October 19, 2011 by
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Unbeknownst to a lot of people, New Mexico as long been a Hollywood studio insider secret, when it comes to a variety of movie and television projects that are being produced in the state. But now after years, there is a new studio that hopes to bring New Mexico out of the secret shadows, squarely into the light. A new major studio has been constructed, and it’s named after the city of it’s inspiration. It’s called the Santa Fe Studios, and it’s a family operation headed up by Lance, Conrad, and Jason Hool. Lance and Conrad have been making films for years now, and Jason being Lance’s son grew up in the business. Another fact that only insiders and locals knew is that Santa Fe is an artistic enclave. Many visual artist call the region their home, and many artist make pilgrimages to the area. The quietness of the area combined with it’s close proximity to Los Angeles has also made the city an outpost for many Hollywood celebrities that want to call New Mexico home.

The great thing about this studio is that it’s different by design from most other studios. Most other studios are cold converted warehouses. The Santa Fe Studio is said to resemble a resort hotel. It is equipped with offices and with internet service that is powered on one of the fastest and heartiest connections possible. The studio shares the same network as local scientific research centers in the area. The studio totally wants to create a relaxing and luxurious experience for studio heads, producers, directors, and for actors. The Hool family believes that their studio will be a premium spot for those who want to film using what is known as a boutique studio.

The problem with the construction of this new studio is that there are little to no new projects coming to the area. The reason lays with the recent tax rebate cuts that the governor’s office has legislated. Under the previous governor’s administration, studios were offered generous tax rebates as an incentive to select New Mexico as a studio and film destination. However the new governor has cut back on offering these tax rebates. As a result, producers are looking at other states to offer them the generous tax rebates that they have become used to. Santa Fe Studios has already reported losing a major project to another state, because they were undersold.

However, it has been said that the new governor is re-committing to making sure that Hollywood doesn’t bypass New Mexico when it comes to bringing projects and money to the state. There are changing being headed up now that should help Santa Fe Studios to attract the projects and the business that it hopes to.

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Sandia Tramway-Interesting Things to Do in New Mexico

Posted on October 15, 2011 by
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One of the most interesting and unique things that you’ll find to do in New Mexico lies close to Albuquerque, New Mexico, a real treasure trove of unique sights and sounds.. There, the longest tramway in the world is waiting for you to take a ride to the top of the Sandia mountains and spend a fun filled morning checking out the history, as well as some quite amazing cuisine.

The ride takes just a few moments to accomplish, but along the way, you’ll receive all of the thrills of a ride to the top of a nearly 8000 foot peak. You’ll see Albuquerque and the surrounding areas, as well as for miles in every direction. At one point, just when it appears that you’re not going to pass the side of a cliff wall, the tram lifts you smoothly to the next level, giving even the most hardy a slight thrill.

At the top of the tramway, once your ride is completed, you’ll find a restaurant that is quite literally fit for a king. The tram ride notwithstanding, the food at the top of the tram is literally amazing. Select from many different varieties of foods, from Hispanic to more finger foods if you like to satisfy your appetite, before you begin the descent to the bottom. At the top of the mountain, you may find things a bit cooler, so be sure to carry a sweater in the fall months, but don’t miss New Mexico’s favorite tram ride the next time you visit the state. New Mexico really is the Land of Enchantment.

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Old Towne Albuquerque-Something for Everyone

Posted on October 12, 2011 by
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In the center of Albuquerque lies a unique chance to step back into time and enjoy a glimpse of what the place used to look like. Visitors to Albuquerque, New Mexico should not miss Old Towne, a veritable Mecca for those who are interested in the history of New Mexico, as well as shopping and other sightseeing opportunities.

Old Towne Albuquerque brings you some of the best of all worlds. Step back into history and view things as they were back then. Bread and snacks, baked in an adobe oven are waiting for you on the street corners. Authentic Mexican foods such as you might have found at the turn of the last century. Albuerque comes alive each morning, as the street vendors come in, and the shops that line the perfect old streets offer you so much more than you might imagine.

Check out religion, history, culture, and the amazing cuisine that Old Town has to offer. Old Town even has some of the best shopping that you’re going to find, such as leather goods, beaded materials, even Indian beading and Native American silver workmen. You can watch them build the things that their culture are famed for, even including rug and blanket weaving. The next time you visit New Mexico, don’t miss the Old Towne Albuquerque display. The goods, the food, and the fun are something everyone should see once in their lifetime.

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New Mexico International Balloon Festival

Posted on October 10, 2011 by
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During the month of October, the New Mexico landscape is dotted with color. Not only the landscape is brilliant with leaves and hues of pink and purple on the mountainside, but also the skies.

October is the annual hot air balloon festival in New Mexico, and if ever you want to spend some time in the state, September will be the appropriate month to do so. The hot air balloon festival is held outside of Albuquerque and began with just a few balloons taking off to drift across the skies in a wash of color. It has grown into an annual event where literally thousands of balloons take off and land in other areas.

Balloon chasers who follow specific balloons to destinations that are as far away as North Dakota are also part of the fun.

Beginning in 1972, the Albuquerque International Balloon Festival is well known as an attraction in the area and the first week of October sees the entire landscape dotted with the balloons.

In addition to the balloons, the hot air fiesta has you smelling roasted chilies and eating foods that are as much a part of the culture and the landscape of New Mexico as the balloons have become. The roar of the burners that all ignite simultaneously, the smell of the various foods being cooked, and the amazing sight of thousands of balloons lifting off at one time is something that simply can’t be missed.

Get yourself to this amazing spectacle at least once in your lifetime. The most photographed spectacle in the United States, the Albuquerque annual balloon festival is something to see.

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First Commercial Link to Space Opening in New Mexico

Posted on September 27, 2011 by
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Located in Sierra County, New Mexico the first commercial link to outer space is presently under construction. This location is designed to help to carry space tourists through the heavens in as little as two years from now. While it is still in the early stages, the project is taking in a considerable amount of interest from news reports around the globe.

This location is going to have a 10,000 foot runway and a space shift that will take off and head alone the atmosphere. While this adventure might seem like a very expensive one, it isn’t relying solely on public funding. Instead, the New Mexico government has invested $200 million tax dollars in the hopes that this does end up taking off and becoming a significant draw for tourism in the area.

At the present moment, the initial flights are going to cost a person $200,000 for the space trip. But that doesn’t mean that prices won’t come down over time. The initial goal is to recoup some of the expenses as potentially affordable solutions become available where the cost of a flight can be reduced.

Of course, residents of the nearby Truth or Consequences haven’t taken kindly to the new space station. The problem is that they don’t feel like there will be any benefit for their town and the rich people who are going to be coming by are not very likely to invest any tourism dollars in the small town. However, with the first launch still out as far as 2 years from now, there is no telling what sort of deal can be worked out between the space program and the small town.

What should be noted is the fact that Spaceport America has already had some business in the early stages. They have handled items for commercial clients and even some work for NASA as well. This does show that there is some faith already in this up and coming brand.

When Virgin Galactic does set off, it will be the first passenger flight it will end up becoming a significant part of history. For now, it remains nothing more than science fiction. How this evolves over time is yet to be seen, but there fact of the matter remains that this is one way that New Mexico can draw in a new type of tourist that could help to give a much needed boost to their economy. Right now, their main industry is the arts community that is predominant in Santa Fe.

It will be over the next few years that the overall actual impact of the program will be explored and there is a potential for a great deal of success. For now, spectators will need to watch on from the sidelines as they learn all they can about one of the most exciting programs to open up in New Mexico and perhaps the rest of the world.

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New Mexico Wants Renewable Energy Sources

Posted on September 26, 2011 by
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New Mexico is opening more options to use alternative and renewable energy sources.  The state is planning a solar storage project where solar energy is stored so it can be used when needed.  It is the country’s first solar power storage that is connected to the power grid.  While solar energy has been used many times in the past, no state has tried to connect it to the power grid.

Without the ability to store energy, energy is limited even if it is generated by solar power.  The technology is still coming underway so the storage project has not been implemented yet.  There is still more development and researched required before it can be fully functional.

The energy is collected with 2,158 solar panels at the PNM site near Mesa del Sol.  The stored electricity will have enough power to power over 150 homes for 2 hours.  The energy is stored into trailer containers which are basically batteries.  For safety issues, the containers are climate controlled so it doesn’t overheat.

The plan is to collect the energy during the day and distribute it during peak hours.  The plan sounds promising but according to engineers, it has to be tested over the next 2 years in order to look at the results.  The data that is collected during that time is critical to

The project will cost $8.7 million dollars.  It was funded by $6 million from PNM and $2.3 million from the U.S. Department of Energy.  The project was hatched back in 2008 with PNM and the Electric Power Research Institute.  The original plan was to show how smart grid technology worked and the solar energy storage project soon followed.

There are more solar facilities being created by PNM.  PNM plans to develop a reliable source of energy.  The organization is trying to figure out a way to produce power even during the night when there isn’t as much solar power.  It’s clear that New Mexico has become a leader in renewable energy thanks to the project.

If the solar storage project is successful, this could lead to many other states adopting the same strategy to power their citizens with reliable energy.  This is a big step for New Mexico but an even bigger step for the country.  This project can also lead to many more jobs being created as there will be a demand for individuals that have expertise in working with power grids and solar technology.

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