Rio Rancho City Council votes on LEDA funding for potential rocket manufacturing facility

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.