N.M. Might Still Get Replica City

LAS CRUCES — The group that pulled out of plans to build a scientific ghost town in Hobbs is still eyeing alternative sites in New Mexico.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports that Luna County has scheduled a special meeting today to vote on an economic development agreement with Pegasus Global Holdings, which is looking to build an uninhabited replica of an average, midsize American city where researchers can test things such as intelligent traffic systems and future wireless networks.

The group earlier this year had selected Hobbs for what it says could be a $1 billion project, but then walked away, citing problems with the land deal.

A spokeswoman for the group says the Luna County agreement would simply give Pegasus access to more information about the community.