Socorro city leaders are proposing $11 million in capital improvements to the city in 2025 according to its most recent Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) unveiled last week.
The local ICIP is a wish list establishing priorities for anticipated capital improvement projects. In the state of New Mexico, it is a coordinated process to plan for capital improvement projects, so government entities do not find themselves in emergency situations.
The plan also assists government entities in the planning of priorities. Developed annually, the ICIP gives the city policy direction, funding time frames, justifications, and details of each specific ICIP project proposed by year over a five-year period.
Plus, there are state-wide benefits to establishing a plan as well including New Mexico Capital Outlay. A notice of the publication is disseminated to each state representative, senator, and the governor on the first day of the legislative session.
In Socorro, local governing officials set priorities based upon several factors including public comment, needs and capacity to fund. A public hearing on the list will be held during the next council meeting on Tuesday, May 28. At that time, the public can suggest other projects they would like to see included in the five-year plan. In addition, criteria also include public safety, legal liability, emergencies and compliance with laws and regulations.
The top 14 ICIP projects listed for 2025 include:
1. Socorro Police Department substation conversion, $1 million.
2. Community Center remodel, $1,850,000; $1,540,000 currently has been funded to date.
3. Sedillo Park improvements, $1,200,000; $100,000 currently has been funded to date.
4. Cuba Road drainage improvements continuation drain, $825,000. Thus far $2,800,000 has been funded, with additional funding proposed for 2026 spending at $705,000 and 2027 at $434,586.
5. Eagle Picher cleanup solution, $800,000. Additional funding of $1,700,000 will be requested in 2026 and $500,000, in 2027.
6. Gianera Street, Skylark Drive, Otero Avenue and Fisher Avenue, $100,000. Additional funding of $300,000 is requested in 2026; $300,000 in 2027 and $300,000 in 2028.
7. EMRTC Bridge, $850,000; $350,000 has already been funded to date.
8. Lopezville Road Reconstruction and drainage, $150,000; plus an additional $850,000 in 2026.
9. Rodeo/Recreation/Convention facilities, $800,000; thus far $3,780,751 has been spent on the facilities.
10. I-25 Entrances into Socorro, $170,000.
11. El Camino Real Museum, $350,000.
12. Highway 60 turning lane improvements, $450,000; an additional $5,000,000 is planned for 2026.
13. Broadband fiber loop, $205,000; and an additional $1.8 million in 2026.
14. Electricity Substation, $469,000; $31,000 has been funded thus far. An additional $7,000,000 has been tagged for 2026.
Other projects on the projected ICIP list include: sewer line and treatment plant upgrades; Box Canyon walking trail; Socorro Mental Health facility; Police department auto purchases; bike trails and lanes; storm drain system improvements; Auto fuel/CNG purchases; Skylark Street, Maxwell Street Area reconstruction; fire department vehicle and equipment purchase; Municipal airport improvements; and animal shelter quarantine building.
ICIP project costs from 2025 to 2029 total more than $86 million. Total not yet funded is a bit more than $67.5 million.
After a public hearing next week, the list could change with input from city council members and the public. A complete ICIP project list for the next five years can be found at socorronm.gov/financial/icip
