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Editor's Note: An earlier version of this newsletter had the incorrect date for the County Fair Parade- it has been corrected below.
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County Connections - August 2025 |
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Freight Rail Study Update
A landmark project to bring freight rail to the Four Corners has been deemed feasible from a technical and economic viewpoint.
After a historic Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2020 between the Navajo Nation and San Juan County, and grant funding from the New Mexico Legislature, HDR Engineering was contracted to conduct an economic and technical feasibility study of a plan to connect the Four Corners region to the I-40 corridor by short-line rail. This marks the most progress in any effort to restore freight rail service to the area.
The study concludes that there are sufficient local products with enough demand to meet a national and international market, making the rail economically feasible. The study further examined environmental concerns of proposed routes and found that each is possible, from a high level, though there are advantages in specific alignments. No final alignment has been chosen.
In addition, the study finds that reducing truck traffic on major highways is a major benefit to rail, with reduced motor vehicle crashes and reduced wear and tear to roadways.
The study also points to increased economic activity both during construction and operation of a freight line. Projections include a total of 2,000 jobs during construction with up to 17,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs while the freight line is in operation, 10,000 of those jobs in New Mexico.
The full feasibility study is online at https://4CornersFreightRail.com.
The next phase of this project is already funded by a $4 million Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) Grant and $1 million match from the New Mexico Match Fund. It includes 30% preliminary engineering and a final National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) study, which will take about 2 years to complete. San Juan County will issue a Request for Proposal to secure an engineering consulting firm to complete this phase.
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August 8 @ 6:00 pm- County Fair Parade, Downtown Farmington
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August 11-16 San Juan County Fair @ McGee Park!
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August 19 @ 4:00 pm- San Juan County Commission Meeting
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Bridge Construction Update
 In our effort to provide to you a couple of new bridges on Road 3000 and Road 3500 that are safe and last longer than our lifetimes (yes, 80+ years) we have run into some challenges that could not have been predicted. When it comes to coordinating labor, engineering, supply chain, equipment, and space to work in, our original closure timeline has been extended.
While we can see the finish line, all we can forecast is about 3 weeks in advance. Right now, the three-week look-ahead does not include opening to traffic. We are dependent on Mother Nature cooperating with us in the short term, and everything else going according to plan.
Regardless of whether you see shovel in dirt at the job site, you should know that we are meeting with the contractor weekly to ensure this project stays as a high priority for San Juan County and those who want to drive their normal route with no detour.
To help with some information flow while traffic is snarled, we have launched a page for weekly (or more often if warranted) updates on both projects. You can see those updates at sjcounty.net/bridge until the bridges reopen.
Please accept our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience over the last months, and thank you for your patience as we get these bridges back open. Unfortunately, progress comes at a price, and that is usually a temporary inconvenience. We continue to work with public safety and school partners regarding detours and timelines.
In the win column, we can report that both projects are within budget.
Hot Topics
Are you interested in Serving A Stronger Community?
San Juan County Fire & Rescue is looking for 25 motivated, dedicated, and community-minded people to join our ranks as Reserve Firefighters in 2025.
Reserve Firefighters are fully trained to respond to emergencies, and volunteer their time in service to the community. Volunteer Reserves are the backbone of the fire service in our country and county.
Training and equipment is all provided as a part of a year-long academy on nights and weekends.
If you are interested in being one of 25 for '25, call FireOps at 505-334-1180 and get more information or go to SJCFireRescue.net
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SJCSO Spot
San Juan County is Hiring!
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Are you looking for a fulfilling career where you can Build A Stronger Community?
See our current openings at SJCounty.net/jobs |
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Is your group interested in learning more about property taxes?
The San Juan County Treasurer’s Office is offering presentations to groups to answer your questions about local property taxes.
- How is tax money collected?
- Where do I find my tax rate, and how is it set?
- What entities benefit from property tax distribution?
Call Bryan Myers, Chief Deputy Treasurer at (505) 334-4256 or email bmyers@sjcounty.net to schedule a presentation.
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 Did you see the County float and County Commissioners Fortner, Lanier, and Gonzales in the Connie Mack World Series Parade?
If not, you have another chance at the County Fair Parade on Friday, August 9 in Downtown Farmington!
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A Note of Thanks
During a 4-week period in June and July, the San Juan County Alternative Sentencing Division conducted a Summer Care Package Drive and Distribution. Led by the ASD Peer Recovery Support Team, donations were received and sorted. From those donations, 40 care packages were assembled and distributed. The care packages, consisting of items such as socks, various hygiene items, miniature flashlights, ball caps, reusable water bottles or cups, sunscreen, lip balm, tampons, condoms, snacks, underwear, water, and bananas, were provided to the unhoused community in the areas of Boyd Park, East Animas St., NM State Buildings, The Indian Center, Orchard Plaza Bus Station, Smith’s Bus Stop, Walmart Bus Stop, and Brook Haven Park.
The SJASD wishes to extend our deep appreciation and gratitude to all who contributed to the drive. Because of your efforts and generosity, comfort and care were given to many of the underserved living within our community.
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