Regional Officials Celebrate Long Delayed Pinon Hills Extension Project with Gov.

Friday, August 19, 2022 at 3:28 PM

Map of Phase I and Phase II of the Pinon Hills Extension Project.

The state investment will total $39.9 million in ARPA funds appropriated to the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The project has also received $1.5 million in congressionally directed spending for a total commitment of $41.3 million.

From New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham

Friday, July 19, 2022

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday was joined by local and county officials to announce nearly $40 million in state funding for the Pinon Hills Extension project in Farmington.

First studied more than 20 years ago, the Pinon Hills Extension project is a regionally significant collaboration between the City of Farmington and San Juan County to extend Pinon Hills Blvd. from NM 516 (Main Street), southeast across the Animas River, to connect with County Road 3000, and tie in with Wildflower Parkway. The state investment will total $39.9 million in ARPA funds appropriated to the New Mexico Department of Transportation. The project has also received $1.5 million in congressionally directed spending for a total commitment of $41.3 million.

“After 20 years of planning and consultations, I am excited to announce a state investment of $40 million dollars for the construction of the Pinon Hills Extension project in San Juan County,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “This is one of many critical roads investments the state is making to improve public safety, reduce travel times, and unlock additional economic opportunities for New Mexico communities.”

“I know I join the residents of Farmington and San Juan County in thanking Senators Heinrich and Luján and Representatives Leger Fernández and Stansbury for their work to deliver this transformative funding in the American Rescue Plan Act,” the governor added.

“This is an incredible example of how working collaboratively can yield incredible results for our communities,” said Farmington Mayor Nate Duckett. “I am grateful to Gov. Lujan Grisham and every partner working to make this critical project a reality.”

This additional river crossing will allow quicker response times for emergency services to sections of unincorporated San Juan County and help reduce traffic congestion on the two primary Animas River crossings at County Road 350 and Browning Parkway. The Farmington Metropolitan Planning Organization’s long-range plan also identifies the Pinon Hills Blvd. Extension as a possible future freight corridor, further alleviating traffic congestion and mixed traffic in the heavily traveled business areas of Farmington. Phase 1 of construction is scheduled to begin in March of 2023.

More from Local News

Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.
Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.