This morning temperatures have fallen into the low 40s in Albuquerque with mostly clear skies. Today, mild to warm high temperatures are expected in New Mexico with sunshine throughout most of the day in the Duke City before bit more cloud coverage comes in from the west. In addition, an approaching upper-level low pressure system will push into western New Mexico and southern Colorado this afternoon bringing the return of rainfall and mountain snow.

Western New Mexico is expected to experience showers and the potential for storms, while higher elevations in southwest Colorado, and parts of the northern mountains, will experience snowfall. The National Weather Service (NWS) will issue a Winter Weather Advisory in La Plata County and a portion of the San Juan Mountains from 3 pm today until 8 am on Monday. This will be primarily for gusty winds and the accumulating snowfall in higher elevations. This storm system will also bring breezy to windy conditions across the state today and primarily to the central mountain chain on Monday.

After tomorrow, another low-pressure system will move through on Thursday of this week. A surge of moisture will accompany that storm system and bring additional rainfall and mountain snow to the Land of Enchantment and southern Colorado. Moisture ahead of that system will also bring more rain chances across the region on Tuesday and Wednesday. High temperatures will also continue to drop through this week. Have a great Sunday!

SANDOVAL COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) – As a rocket manufacturing company considers Sandoval County for its newest facility, the Rio Rancho City Council approved funding to sweeten the deal. But councilors laid down some conditions that the company needs to meet.

During a meeting this week, some city councilors said they were left out of the loop during discussions with the California-based company, Castelion, on their potential plans. The concerns they brought up include water pollution, increased traffic, and the use of city resources like emergency responders. “I don’t really have the words for my frustration in that our public safety have not been at the forefront. I think a seat at the table is not enough,” said Nicole List, Rio Rancho City Councilor.

Castelion is considering Sandoval County as a site for a facility to make rockets and missiles, and a county in Arizona is also in the running.

So far, Sandoval County and state leaders have set aside financial incentives to encourage Castelion to pick New Mexico. “When they’re ready to make a final decision and make a final announcement for the project, the state, the county, the City of Rio Rancho now, everybody has done their part,” said Wayne John, Sandoval County manager.

Thursday night, it was Rio Rancho’s turn to vote on LEDA grant funding, as well as water use for the facility.

Councilors heard from those in favor of the facility and residents who worried about potential safety hazards. “Today, our country is severely significantly falling behind the Chinese and the Russians in the hypersonic race,” said Senator Jay Block (R-Rio Rancho).

“They want the Rio Rancho taxpayers, they’re asking us to build a road, send the water, and shoulder the long-term risks to our aquifer, our safety, our health, and possibly declining home values,” said Michael Farrell, a concerned resident.

City councilors said they were disappointed that they were not able to raise their concerns about the project earlier. They feared that once the facility is open, traffic will go through nearby neighborhoods, saying Paseo del Volcan needs to be extended to accommodate the increased flow. They also want more information on emergency planning, as Rio Rancho Fire Rescue would be responding to calls for the center.

After the discussion, councilors approved the resolution to provide LEDA funding to Castelion for the project. They amended the resolution to include a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) where the county, city, and State Fire Marshall would have an agreement on which agency is responsible for the facility emergency calls. They also wanted an agreement with Sandoval County on the construction of Paseo Del Volcan to accommodate Castelion traffic.

Another resolution was passed authorizing the city manager to negotiate water and possibly wastewater service with the company. Castelion has yet to make a final decision on the location for the facility.