State Senate approves $92 million for State Fairgrounds project

The New Mexico Senate voted Friday to approve $92 million in bonds for a project seeking to revitalize and reimagine the State Fairgrounds in Albuquerque's International District. 

Senate Bill 48, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, and Rep. Janelle Anyanonu, D-Albuquerque, passed on a 26-12 vote. 

If approved by the House, the bonds can be issued toward the redevelopment — the specifics of which are still being ironed out.

In December, the state’s design contractor, Stantec Consulting Services, unveiled three preliminary designs for the fairgrounds, all of which include a hotel and event venue, parks, retail space and mixed-income housing. One of the designs proposes relocating the fair, a topic that became a sticking point for some on the Senate floor.

During Friday's debate, several Republican senators expressed concern about the possibility of the State Fair being moved from Albuquerque.

"I'm upset about what they're planning on doing if this move does take place," said Sen. Candy Spence Ezzell, R-Roswell.

Stewart, however, insisted a decision on whether to move the fair has not yet been made.

She also said that decision will ultimately be made by the State Fair Commission, not the State Fairgrounds District Board. Members of the board include Stewart, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham.

“Today’s Senate vote moves us one step closer to a historic revitalization of the International District and central Albuquerque,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement Friday. “This bonding authority in a neighborhood with enormous potential will create the kind of mixed-use development with housing, vibrant streets and the economic opportunity that this community deserves.”

A spokesperson for Lujan Grisham's office said the master plan for the 236-acre parcel of land "will be finalized in the next few weeks."

Journal Capitol Bureau Chief Dan Boyd contributed to this report.