Road projects, new business boost growth
Rio Rancho, Bernalillo reflect an optimistic ‘State of Cities’
An emphasis on road projects will wrap up a strong year of economic growth in Sandoval County, as representatives of the City of Rio Rancho and Town of Bernalillo noted at Friday’s “State of the Cities” presentation at Club Rio Rancho.
Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull and Bernalillo Town Clerk Ida Fierro, who spoke on behalf of Bernalillo Mayor Jack Torres, addressed the luncheon, which was sponsored by the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Restaurants and storefronts have pushed economic growth in Rio Rancho, Hull said, with Chickfil-A, Taco Cabana and Christian Brothers Automotive opening this year in the Unser Gateway area. Hull said Plaza @ Enchanted Hills will continue to grow before the end of the calendar year, as Ross Dress for Less, PetSmart and Burkes Outlet are expected to open in the shopping center in December.
New customer contact centers Safelite Auto Glass and PCM are expected to bring 1,100 jobs and a $34.5 million payroll to the city, Hull said, with Safelite set to open in January.
Hull said road projects for High Resort and Southern Boulevard are being planned while construction on Idalia Road, Sara Road and Broadmoor Boulevard will be finished before the end of this year. Hull, who recently came back to Rio Rancho after an outof-town family trip, said he was glad to see asphalt being placed on the Broadmoor extension.
“That’s going to open up incredible opportunities in the city center and create greater access to the (Santa Ana) Star Center,” he said.
Fierro said a U.S. 550 construction project to widen the road’s bridge over the Rio Grande is moving forward. She said the design plan for utilities is 30 percent complete and the state Department of Transportation anticipates receiving a 404 permit from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in November.
Since Jan. 1, Bernalillo has seen 43 new businesses move to the area, including L&M Equipment, Pearl Mechanical and Aloha RV. An Applebee’s Grill and Bar is under construction, Fierro said, and a Dunkin’ Donuts has been approved to begin construction.