October 3,2013 New, Open Capital Outlay Process Designed With Job Creation in Mind for Rio Rancho As they implement a new evaluation process for determining state capital outlay funding for public projects in Rio Rancho, the area’s three state legislators are mainly interested in one thing: Will the projects create jobs for Rio Rancho? The three state legislators serving Rio Rancho are sending out a letter announcing their new evaluation process for state capital outlay funding to public entities this week. State Senator Craig Brandt (R- Dist. 40), State Representative Tim Lewis (R-Dist. ) and State Representative Jason Harper (R-Dist. ) say they will conduct a public forum to receive and evaluate all requests to fund projects with the limited capital outlay dollars that are expected next year. Estimates at this time indicate there could be fewer capital outlay dollars to fund public projects next year compared to this year. This year, Senator Brandt said those public entities in Rio Rancho requesting capital outlay funding are being requested to present their requests in person at the public forum. “As your elected officials, we believe the process and criteria we use to select projects to fund with capital outlay monies should be more transparent and open to the public,” Senator Brandt said. “We also want to provide an opportunity for our constituents to voice their support or opposition to the proposed projects. The open, public forum provides that opportunity.” The letter outlining the new funding process, also alerts the government entities to the legislators’ priorities when evaluating the projects for funding. “We are giving those requesting state capital outlay funding plenty of notice that we are most interested in funding projects that will create jobs and economic development opportunities in Rio Rancho,” Representative Lewis said. “If their project does not meet the criteria of creating jobs, we are giving them ample time to submit a project that does. We want to know the economic benefit the project will provide our community.” Representative Harper said he will be also asking how the project improves the quality of life in Rio Rancho and whether others are committed to the project financially. “We will want to know if there are matching funds already committed and what the compelling reasons area to fund the project with outlay funds from the severance tax bonding capacity.” The forum is scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2013 at the Rio Rancho City Council Chambers at City Hall from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The legislators are also asking that the project requests be emailed at least one week in advance of the meeting to rrcapitaloutlay@gmail According to analysts, there could be $186.2 million in severance tax bonding capacity next year, down significantly from $222.4 million this year. The severance tax bonding is dedicated to both statewide and local projects.
Posted on: Thu, 03 Oct 2013 22:53:40 +0000