The City Council of Socorro convened on July 3, 2025, to discuss significant developments regarding the Arterial 1 project, particularly the implications of potentially discontinuing the initiative. The meeting highlighted concerns from council members and residents about the future of the project, which has been a topic of contention for several years.

During the session, a council member sought clarification on line item 33, which mentioned the possibility of discontinuing the Arterial 1 project. The inquiry focused on whether this action would equate to a "no build" option. City Attorney Jim Martinez clarified that the council was not voting to discontinue the project outright but was instead directing staff to research the implications and processes involved in such a decision. He emphasized that any formal action would require a public meeting and proper notice.

The discussion also included input from residents advocating for the project, who expressed frustration over the lack of engagement from city officials. They highlighted that significant resources had already been invested in the project, including over a million dollars in federal funds. The residents urged the council to consider the potential consequences of a no build option, stressing the importance of ensuring that any decision made would not lead to unnecessary costs for the city in restarting the project in the future.

The council's decision to further investigate the implications of discontinuing the project reflects ongoing community concerns and the need for transparency in the decision-making process. The next steps will involve gathering more information and presenting it to the council for further discussion and action in a future meeting.