Voters in New Mexico decisively backed General Obligation Bonds B and D – affirming their support of higher education and libraries. 

Bond B allocates $4 million each for higher education libraries, public libraries and public-school libraries – every library in the state benefits. Unofficial results show nearly 69 percent of voters cast ballots in favor of the funding. 

Bond D provides Bond D $22,800,000 for brick and mortar projects at universities across New Mexico, including UNM. It passed with nearly 66 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results.

“The strong support New Mexicans showed at the polls for both the higher education and library bonds is reflective of the value they place on research and learning,” said UNM President Garnett S. Stokes. “The bonds will allow us to improve our academic infrastructure and provide access to library resources, all in an effort to give our students the best opportunities for success and to serve our local communities. My heartfelt thanks to our citizens – we look forward to building a campus at the University for New Mexico of which we can all be proud.”

General Obligation (GO) bonds come before the voters of New Mexico every two years. Passage of the bonds not only ensures better facilities for students and researchers; a solid system of higher education impacts all New Mexicans by strengthening the economy. It is projected Bond D alone will provide an estimated 1,000 jobs in construction, architecture and related fields.

GO Bond D Breakdown at UNM

$16,000,000 | Chemistry Renovation – Phase II
Changes will include updating classrooms, labs and offices, remodeling areas to include upper division labs, and revamping the building’s primary teaching auditorium. In addition, the money would support infrastructure and research laboratory upgrades in the Riebsomer Wing of Clark Hall. 

$7,000,000 | ROTC Complex – Phase I
The money will fund a new co-location for UNM’s three ROTC programs: Navy, Army and Air Force. On average ROTC Air Force serves 80, Army 110 and Navy 80 cadets annually. Renewing, replacing and upgrading facilities would provide those students with the resources needed to support their education and training.

$4,300,00 | Taos Branch Natural Resources Center
The 14,100 square-foot building will house specialized classrooms for digital and media arts, computer simulation and 3D modeling. It will allow for greater partnerships and the preservation of documents related to the natural and historic resources of Northern New Mexico.