[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6744483,"mediaKeyId","5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a","parentId",5133566,"title","Socorro council directs staff to research ending Arterial 1 after residents raise concerns","audioSeconds",1510,"startMs",2408000,"endMs",3918000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a&start=2408&end=3918","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a/thumbnail_2408000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6744483/Socorro-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Socorro-council-directs-staff-to-research-ending-Arterial-1-after-residents-raise-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744483-1ce6ab6fcfb0ac78e0bd7030f56fe0ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173999&Signature=SPODdPY2gc3jh7NQfSDt5Xl6SChDAGYBFG4vI92ULC3eTHZxl8ixi-7S-EE6oupNGRe8MQuQbSvR1Pp2dSMyECeEQtaJh5hbKGHwlcPhYsGxEU9XbexMd3EiFC7P-4Ov6PwA5BFhJTzaucygNGjVIO90zIRVR~KRMKGmNXsYQgs5zbEwbhDhjBdlVHW2W4x2Pb8nleYKPPReg~S3-2O9L6yiINk80kps475Se58z7QvuQorbn3DStYnelPjSJDWQ5qaK6TIMhYULzWFzcfU~KP2mt6HU5d47gjY9UtkxeIZLWjkcANJHiOwTdDgZr1T2ML9Hj~s59zyp1CqkDgJtqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Socorro TX","date","2025-07-04T04:12:59Z","article","The Socorro City Council voted unanimously July 3 to direct staff to research the process and implications of discontinuing the Arterial 1 road project after more than an hour of public comment and a staff presentation on the project's history, alternatives and NEPA status.

The decision came after a city presentation describing the project's background and the role of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization in a federally overseen NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) process. The presentation reiterated that no NEPA preferred alternative had been selected and that prior studies, public workshops and updated alternatives were part of an ongoing environmental and design review.

Why it matters: Arterial 1 has been discussed in local planning documents since 2013 and carries potential right‑of‑way impacts to long‑standing neighborhoods. Residents told council they fear displacement, changes in property access and damage to community character. Council's direction will compel staff to return with a factual report on legal obligations, reimbursement risks, grant implications and next steps before any final action is taken.

Residents who live near proposed alignments told council they had not received clear notice, reported confusion about permits and developer activity, and asked the city to halt the project. Chris Trujillo, a resident who said he lives near Sylvia Road, asked council to \"dismiss this project and move it out of this town,\" and warned of stress and community harm if construction proceeds. Several other speakers described potential loss of property value and family hardship if a route were built adjacent to existing homes.

Council discussion emphasized clarifying facts before acting. Mayor Rudy Cruz framed the council motion as \"not the easy path, but the hard path,\" saying the item would allow the city to research the legal and financial steps required to discontinue the project. \"We've placed this agenda item on the table for city council's consideration,\" he told residents during the meeting.

What council voted to do: Council approved a motion to direct staff to research the process and implications of discontinuing the Arterial 1 project. The vote was recorded as an affirmative voice vote by all members present. The motion did not adopt a no‑build alternative or otherwise make a final project determination; it was a direction to staff to compile the consequences and return with a report for a future public meeting.

Next steps and follow up: City staff and legal counsel will evaluate whether discontinuing the project would trigger reimbursement obligations to federal or state agencies (including TxDOT or the Federal Highway Administration), consider whether grant funds already expended are subject to clawback, and report on statutory and contract processes required for any discontinuation. The council asked that the forthcoming staff report include options, costs, timelines and whether a formal no‑build decision would be required at a subsequent public meeting.

Public input record: Multiple residents — including Alex Saldana, Jeremy Hendricks, Jay Clark, Lorenzo Maines and Rocio Martinez — spoke during items related to Arterial 1 and the separate public comment period, urging council to halt the project or to ensure transparent communication and documentation of next steps. Councilmembers noted they have met with residents in multiple forums and urged organizers to share accurate meeting notices and information.

Tally and procedural note: The motion to direct staff to investigate discontinuation passed on a voice vote with all members present saying \"aye.\" Council did not adopt a formal no‑build finding; any final decision will require additional staff findings and a public action at a future noticed meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Socorro: City Council Meeting, July 03, 2025 @ 6:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","After a long presentation and an extended public‑comment period, the Socorro City Council voted to direct staff to research the process and implications of discontinuing the federally‑funded Arterial 1 project. Council did not choose a preferred alternative; staff will return with legal, financial and procedural findings.","taxTitle","Socorro City, El Paso County, Texas","taxId",51022,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744464,"Council pauses action on updated Chapter 380 incentives policy and moves to executive session",5080,7386000,12466000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a&start=7386&end=12466","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a/thumbnail_7386000.jpg","/articles/6744464/Socorro-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Council-pauses-action-on-updated-Chapter-380-incentives-policy-and-moves-to-executive-session","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744464-0419b69618d9fd43c33895695e09fc7d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173999&Signature=FxjHsrKGSI2krqhQ~6WxXiZtu46FLoYdFVWnuQCdvbi2Fv~uco81Bd2PZ4f4cDmFw~f8-pA4yH9cxCL93C0kcB2fORs1qVFO9SZJouCDNRLRLwSvrn4oOEOSGFI9pjQ3MqbnEfIgapxmln3eTnBSnAU9xFIfanXWcbKqnR2H7o8PTOkjb5MgvchgC76H1qkaCe7wdXcyiSBHKBh3TZOwCO9GgK76cr20MXM8CL~~t5l60-0tGmmUwz3dspjxBec8fbMeJw315TXWuqX3AogO2LqwrilnNDvy7qB6dPYku~bW9lwm2S6kmqKkgNr7pRELBUzqykbo4sauDpdqIJlH7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City economic development staff presented a new draft of the Chapter 380 economic development incentives policy July 3 that incorporates priorities from the city's recent economic recovery strategic plan. The draft outlines eligibility categories (quality jobs, business type, capital‑intensive projects and existing homegrown businesses), suggested minimum investment thresholds, and proposed incentive levels (property‑tax rebates and other performance‑based incentives).

Key points from staff: Jose Quinones (Economic Recovery) told council the policy is intended to be a living document aligned with the city's strategic goals (retail, tourism, transportation/warehousing, manufacturing and construction). The draft sets minimum investment thresholds for many incentive tiers (for example, $250,000 for certain business types and higher thresholds for major capital projects) and ties incentive levels to job quality and wages. It also highlighted that the policy would remain flexible and could be adjusted over time.

Council action: Before any final approval, council voted to go into executive session to consult with the city attorney on legal and contract considerations. No final ordinance or incentive agreement was adopted at the public meeting.

Next steps: Council will consult with legal staff in closed session and may return at a future public meeting with recommended revisions or an action item for adoption.","City economic recovery staff presented a revised Chapter 380 incentives policy that aligns with the recent economic recovery strategic plan; council voted to go into executive session with the city attorney for legal consultation before taking final action.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744470,"Council approves multiple plats and rezonings, including Horizon Park Unit 3 and several rezones",606,10460000,11066000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a&start=10460&end=11066","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a/thumbnail_10460000.jpg","/articles/6744470/Socorro-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Council-approves-multiple-plats-and-rezonings-including-Horizon-Park-Unit-3-and-several-rezones","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744470-7dd899f89bd240c25d8875e5cd995110/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173999&Signature=Gn7Vgr8EGxExILwIm5P20ajs0yMvkqxsD2s2C22xh54NJKaIq1MqsGKKOrpRiWzefc8mTdOh2Rcv4pLw2SM9VTA6IkESZcrI2up-ciRgivfgBbd1wWi8b6NN8ecsl5WfC8RRYEG8pfjuXYboQ0l-8nLo4~vfNV1VR562O4XG8vzc0IGL8ZNIFIMEvhFIZBgYK54My3FEqeIDsKek1FKN5zRAoownVq3LzPBfawOO9lXxYTs62JxG5MdrJf1zmS8XLFFKaoIs0ucL-wxm~KzQYMYga-KEfI~JY-4TfG~sFcRo1h-NPf3Ff1~oLo3CIkztRbjOlVT0bhSGExotT6R-2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Socorro City Council approved a series of plats and rezonings at the July 3 meeting. The items were considered with little debate and passed by voice vote as part of the regular agenda.

Key approvals at a glance:

- Horizon Park Unit 3 final plat (10971 East Burt Road): Council approved the final plat for an approximately five‑acre subdivision proposed by Bolling Brothers Development Company LLC; staff recommended approval and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval at its June 3 meeting.

- Rezoning and final plat matters for property on East Burt Road and Range War Court (Horizon Park related): Council approved a rezoning from R‑1 to R‑2 to permit medium‑density single‑family lots and related final plat actions for a multi‑lot residential development (approximately 17–18 lots shown on submitted plans).

- Conditional use permit and variance for fabrication shop (10732 Horn Circle): Council approved rezoning from R‑1 to C‑2 for a fabrication shop, including a variance request reducing off‑street parking requirements (applicant stated the operation does not serve retail customers and parking demand would be limited to staff). Staff recommended approval; no public opposition was recorded in the 200‑foot notice area.

- Duplex rezoning (636 Maxine Drive): Council approved rezoning of a Lot in Mary Lou Park subdivision from R‑1 to R‑2 to allow a duplex; the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval.

How the council voted: Each ordinance and plat received a motion and second and passed on voice votes; no roll‑call tallies were recorded in the transcript.

Process notes: Staff indicated notices were mailed to property owners within 200 feet where applicable; no written opposition for the rezones was recorded in the staff summary provided to council at the meeting.","At its July 3 meeting the Socorro City Council approved a consent agenda and several ordinance items: final plat approval for Horizon Park Unit 3, rezoning and final plat ordinances for properties on Bert Road and Maxine Drive, and a conditional use permit/variance to allow a fabrication shop at Horn Circle. No contested votes were recorded.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744473,"Socorro authorizes right‑of‑way acquisition services for Nuevo Hueco Tanks Boulevard extension",228,12991000,13219000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a&start=12991&end=13219","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a/thumbnail_12991000.jpg","/articles/6744473/Socorro-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Socorro-authorizes-rightofway-acquisition-services-for-Nuevo-Hueco-Tanks-Boulevard-extension","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744473-f6d9929c7cacd6284853483151f6bfec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173999&Signature=FrccSsmT5Q4iszzM122k2K-D9QmOMObz~eE0UzNWcg0oAxpf7WgQ~JesDZhNwTRGdEpM0y8zOkR07GA3skH6QdUFRYjdwoye03zCwdBfTQGFPWrNio3RyzA-gtEQxMcljZd38dR7fRMcOVfzhudlT8M-IKmPMcadTXYHDbfBlggObfjKLrlGKG-FkW~vcLo0I13whxZfeTMF2ZO~qXghq-mjPnaR6uT~qjawxQeK2uDBii1CI7ajk4t0-ObKkJpGBiRDQR0YYf~ZG0GwM39jF7Q5pU50oS8MHzvES2ScK2HPe37R9gWTwwTWxr1iNxNrsconzC-9wuUDC-2j3AjmQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Socorro City Council authorized July 3 an interlocal agreement with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority and a work authorization to fund right‑of‑way acquisition services for the Nuevo Hueco Tanks Boulevard extension. The approved work covers appraisal, appraisal review, title work, surveys and acquisition services; the contract does not include the purchase price for property owners.

The project segment under consideration would construct roughly 1.15 miles of new roadway between North Loop and Alameda. City staff told the council that environmental clearance under TxDOT's NEPA oversight is still pending but that the consultant may perform right‑of‑way acquisition tasks in parallel. Staff said 22 parcels are involved in this phase, including three non‑residential relocations and two personal relocations.

Funding and scope: The work authorization will be paid from Transportation Reinvestment Zone (TRZ) No. 2 funds held for the project. The action approved acquisition services necessary to begin property negotiations and offers; acquisition amounts to purchase properties will be negotiated separately with affected owners and are not included in the work authorization.

Why it matters: Authorizing ROW acquisition services is a procedural step that allows the city and its consultant to start acquiring property once environmental clearance is received or when appropriate. Council emphasized careful management and noted that archaeological reports had been submitted and were pending final TxDOT review.

Council action: The motion to approve the interlocal agreement and work authorization carried by voice vote; staff will proceed with retained consultant work on appraisal, title, survey and offer negotiations.","Council approved an interlocal agreement and work authorization with the Camino Real Regional Mobility Authority to proceed with appraisal, title and acquisition services for right‑of‑way on the Nuevo Hueco Tanks Boulevard extension, using Transportation Reinvestment Zone (TRZ) funds.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6744478,"Socorro approves FY2024 financial audit after CPAs report clean opinion",180,5449000,5629000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a&start=5449&end=5629","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5133566-8315abd0bc67672812404e89b07d685a/thumbnail_5449000.jpg","/articles/6744478/Socorro-City/El-Paso-County/Texas/Socorro-approves-FY2024-financial-audit-after-CPAs-report-clean-opinion","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6744478-d490ccd0dfec2329d6ef4cd486634d68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771173999&Signature=HY3~dxxSzMlliRQXIn1NaTlUpkZBRAXmff88HYcOGyelxqyuA82TTWEHSTzdnY3FqXHz3cN5~YJnpMBnPatB1XmBks3vk43tz4KMqJLfJIoIZuO6tWLXxfAESgHvyA8NqBBSfiYk5A-HL5cFjmZZXBeWV7JjSGvP0vnJ1hoEGHS3S946xfGgC~1QFK356-UVbKLKFMhB-H2~SwinCvz-8NJIvUGgWXHNIhsnCiAolFDAJyv5C924rCpQrWApy4Q6GKUOL8W7KaeexUHDhSR9CvPYynsnvXAEawpp57Ctvi19QBlAgYB-oqyA6xvRdSER8nh~hy~uYC9hG10ssoHbMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SB&G certified public accountants presented Socorro's fiscal year 2024 annual financial report July 3 and reported an unmodified (clean) audit opinion and no findings on federal award compliance, including ARPA, the auditor told council.

The auditor, Theo Cabrera, summarized highlights for the general fund and capital improvement funds: general fund revenues exceeded budgeted estimates and the city closed the year with a positive general fund balance and healthy reserves. However, Cabrera told council the capital improvement fund had been substantially expended due to several large TxDOT‑funded projects (including Arterial 1 and the Nuevo Hueco Tanks expansion) and that the general fund had advanced approximately $1.2 million to cover capital cash‑flow timing while awaiting TxDOT reimbursements.

Cabrera said the audit was completed within the nine‑month filing window, that the audit found no fraud or abuse requiring reporting, and that prior year findings (timely completion, ARPA accounting and TxDOT accounting items) were resolved. He recommended that staff monitor interfund borrowings, complete subrecipient monitoring for ARPA subawards, update the investment policy to reflect current practice, provide additional training on fixed‑asset accounting and consider raising the capitalization threshold from $5,000 to $10,000.

Council action: Council voted to accept and issue the FY2024 annual financial report as presented by SB&G. The auditor's presentation and council discussion highlighted the need to manage capital project cash flow and ensure prompt reimbursements from TxDOT and other grantors.

What was not decided: The audit presentation included recommendations but no formal policy changes were adopted at that meeting; the auditor suggested several administrative actions for staff to implement and report back.","SB&G certified public accountants presented the city's FY2024 financial statements and said auditors issued an unmodified opinion with no findings on ARPA compliance. Council approved issuance of the annual financial report.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Socorro council directs staff to research ending Arterial 1 after residents raise concerns

Council pauses action on updated Chapter 380 incentives policy and moves to executive session

Council approves multiple plats and rezonings, including Horizon Park Unit 3 and several rezones

Socorro authorizes right‑of‑way acquisition services for Nuevo Hueco Tanks Boulevard extension

Socorro approves FY2024 financial audit after CPAs report clean opinion