Milan goes ahead with transport plan

By Helen Davis
Cibola County Bureau

MILAN — With gas prices rising almost daily, a proposal to further public transportation in the area met with vigorous approval in Thursday’s Milan Board of Trustees’ meeting.

After minimal discussion, the board passed a resolution of intent to join and actively participate in setting up a committee to research a possible Northwest New Mexico Regional Transit District. The committee would be made up of representatives from several agencies, such as Cibola county, the city of Grants and Milan, and other counties.
The proposed district would develop a regional public transportation system that includes existing local bus systems like the recently opened Cibola Area Transit System and provides a network of connections between them over a wide area. There are now four regional transportation districts in the state.

“We need transportation that could connect Gallup to Grants and then Grants and other areas to Albuquerque,” Mayor Tom Ortega said.

The resolution is the first step in a long-term research and development project. In passing the resolution, the village pledged to provide a committee member from Milan and to take part in development.

In other action, the board voted to continue a service contract with the Cibola Arts Council. The council provides public art to village administration buildings. Arts Director Robert Gallegos quipped that he will be sure to get Milan some new art for their buildings.

Village Chief of Police Jerry Stephens said the village Neighborhood Watch group will hold a meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. to continue reorganizing and select locations for Neighborhood Watch signs. The Milan Police Department purchased 15 signs earlier this year. Stephens said old signposts are being refurbished and new posts will be installed in the next few weeks.

The Board meets every third Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Village Hall. There is a public comment period on every agenda. Additional agenda items must be submitted to and approved by the mayor.