ABQ Times

UNM-Los Alamos (UNM-LA) stands to gain $1 million for campus improvements if New Mexico's General Obligation Bond 3 is approved in the upcoming November 5 general election. The funds would be allocated for planning, construction, renovation, and equipping of campus facilities and infrastructure.

Chancellor Mike Holtzclaw highlighted the necessity of these renovations, stating, "The aging infrastructure on our campus desperately needs renovations in order to meet current ADA standards and to increase energy efficiency in our facilities."

Recent renovations at Building 6 exceeded initial cost estimates by over three times due to supply chain issues. This financial strain led to reallocating funds from other planned building updates, which remain pending. The passage of Bond 3 would allow UNM-LA to redirect resources back to these deferred projects.

Among the proposed upgrades is the modernization of Building 7's basement bathrooms with new paint, lighting, and carpet.

General obligation bonds serve as a crucial funding source for many institutions seeking to renovate buildings, enhance safety measures, upgrade technology, and support quality education that contributes to New Mexico's economic growth.

Bond 3 aims to distribute nearly $230 million across public colleges, universities, and specialty schools throughout the state, including UNM-LA.