New Mexico

Eddy County Courthouse was built in 1914. County officials say its time to build a new one

Published

2 years ago

January 7, 2024

Eddy County Courthouse was built in 1914. County officials say its time to build a new one

Eddy County supported a request for $20 million in state funds by New Mexico Counties (NMC) to construct courthouses statewide.

Eddy County’s Board of County Commissioners approved a resolution Nov. 7 affirming NMC’s legislative priorities for the 30-day 2024 legislative session, which included the funding request, hoping some of the money would find its way to the County to replace an ageing and cramped Eddy County District Courthouse in Carlsbad.

Barry Massey, spokesperson for the New Mexico Administrative Office of the Courts, said the judiciary sought money for courthouse projects during the 2023 legislative session, though Eddy County didn’t receive any of those funds.

“Of the $23 million provided by the Legislature (in 2023), $15 million was allocated for a new courthouse in Otero County. The remaining $8 million was provided for improvements and upgrades to courts in Mora, Colfax, Curry, San Juan, Valencia, Socorro, Santa Fe and Bernalillo counties.”

Massey said counties needed to commit to fund at least 50% of the total cost of a project. Rising costs of construction, security and technology necessitate a shared revenue stream, according to NMC.

“State district courthouse construction can reach well over $50 million and the addition of a single judge can cost a county $2 to $3 million for renovation and increased operational support,” according to New Mexico Counties.

More: Funding for detention center on Eddy County priority list for 2024 legislative session

A new courthouse is needed in Eddy County

Built in 1914, the Eddy County Courthouse has been remodeled numerous times over the decades, according to the County website.

Eddy County Sheriff Mark Cage, who is also the New Mexico Counties board president, said the organization worked for years to create a fund to assist counties in meeting the ask for matching funds.

“We are in dire need of a modern courthouse and an efficient county jail that does not reside in the middle of town. Our current district courthouse, as historical and beautiful as it may be, is literally falling apart,” Cage said.

More: Here are the projects funded by New Mexico lawmakers in your community via capital outlay

A study conducted for Eddy County by inspection company Bureau Veritas in 2019, reported that the courthouse would reach the end of its usable life by 2029.

Replacing the courthouse could cost Eddy County $8.4 million, according to the study.

Upgrades to the courthouse were discussed during the tenure of former District 2 county commissioner Royce Pearson who served from 2013 through 2017.

“Time has come to figure out a new courthouse for Eddy County. As a taxpaying constituent that’s my opinion. You can only do so much fixing up,” he said.

Cage said building a new judicial facility south of Carlsbad near the Sheriff’s Office located at 1502 Corrales Drive and Eddy County Fire and Rescue at 1400 Commerce Drive is a possible solution.

“In my opinion (the south location is) the answer to the problem and will allow us to work in a more efficient, safe manner for the citizens of Eddy County,” Cage said.

Cage pointed to the surplus revenue available to New Mexico, largely fueled by oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin, as a good sign that the courthouse project might find some funding to move forward.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-628-5546 or by email at MSmith@currentargus.com or @ArgusMichae on X, formerly known as Twitter.

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New Mexico

Gas prices rose this week in New Mexico. Here’s why

Published

7 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Gas prices rose this week in New Mexico. Here’s why

Regional gas prices rose for the second consecutive week and reached an average of $3.60 per gallon of regular fuel on Monday, up from last week’s price of $3.41 per gallon, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Gas prices are jumping around because traders are trying to price in how long the Iran war will disrupt oil flows from the Middle East, on top of the usual spring run‑up in demand as driving season approaches. Markets are baking in higher risk and “additional volatility” but not a long-term shutdown, and prices could retreat if it becomes clear the tensions are short-lived, petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan said.

Analysts say another 20 to 30 cents a gallon is still likely in the weeks ahead.

The average fuel price in the Gulf Coast region rose about 107 cents since last month. According to the EIA, gas prices across the region in the last year have been as low as $2.37 on Jan. 5, 2026, and as high as $3.60 on March 23, 2026.

A year ago, the average gas price in the Gulf Coast region was 31% lower at $2.74 per gallon.

>> INTERACTIVE: See how your area’s gas prices have changed over the years at data.lcsun-news.com.

The average gas price in the United States last week was $3.96, making prices in the Gulf Coast region about 9.0% lower than the nation’s average. The average national gas price is higher than last week’s average of $3.72 per gallon.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration’s tally of prices in the Gulf Coast states includes Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas.

USA TODAY Co. is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Please leave any feedback or corrections for this story here. This story was written by Ozge Terzioglu.

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New Mexico

Grass fire burning thousands of acres in Quay County

Published

19 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Press Room

Grass fire burning thousands of acres in Quay County

QUAY COUNTY, N.M. – A grass fire has burned an estimated 1,000-2,000 acres near San Jon in Quay County.

Emergency crews say the Old 66 Fire is threatening structures, and remains 0% contained.

The New Mexico Forestry Division said crews discovered the fire at 12:30 p.m. Friday, March 27 east of San Jon, north of Interstate 40 in Quay County.

Smoke is visible from Interstate 40 and surrounding areas.

The fire is on private land and the cause remains under investigation.

State Road 469 is closed at Main Avenue. Officials said local residents should use caution and avoid the area.

Structures threatened include a wind farm to the southwest.

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