Leger Fernández visits Historic County Courthouse after securing funding
U.S. Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández visited the Historic Taos County Courthouse in Taos Plaza on Wednesday (March 23) to speak with town and county officials about her efforts to secure $1.26 million to restore the space to its former glory.
Leger Fernández helped to push through the New Mexico omnibus appropriations bill, which will bring $74 million in federal funding to New Mexico’s third congressional district, which encompasses much of the northern part of the state. The bill will help fund renovations for the historic courthouse in Taos.
“It’s so exciting to be able to come and be with our amazing elected officials,” said Leger Fernández on Wednesday during a table discussion with local officials. “There are many projects that are unique and special that deserve some funding, and that’s what this project recognizes,” she said of the courthouse restoration project.
“As many of you know, I am a deep believer in preserving our events and preserving our past and our culture; the stories that celebrate who we are, and the stories that tell the difficult history of pain, of war, of loss,” she added.
Leger Fernández said that each U.S. representative was able to pitch a total of 10 different projects for their district. “We were told that we would get maybe one funded,” she said. “But I am pretty darn excited that, instead of getting one funded, the Congressional District 3 got nine [projects] funded,” she exclaimed, eliciting a round of applause.
Other projects which Leger Fernández secured money for this year include the expansion of broadband in Española, a renovation of the San Felipe Community Center, $67 million for the NavajoGallup Water Supply Project and San Juan College’s Student Health Center, among others.
When it comes to the Historic Taos County Courthouse renovations, the goal is to rebuild the courthouse in a similar style to its early 20th-century look. After the building burned down in 1932, the courthouse was rebuilt in the Spanish-Pueblo Revival style, designed by Albuquerque architect Louis Hesseldon.
Leger Fernández said projects like the courthouse were likely funded because they were “really well documented and really set out what they needed.” She attributed this to the open communication between county and municipal governments and her office. “The criteria for submitting them was, ‘Does it have a lot of community support?’”
New Mexico District 42 Representative Kristina Ortez thanked Leger Fernández for her support in the region: “It really helped us figure out how we can work together, how we can tap into the federal funds that exist and how we can leverage our local and state dollars.”
“It’s really hard to say anything else other than thank you,” said District 3 County Commissioner and Chairperson Darlene Vigil. “I look forward to collaboration with the town. We realize and recognize that in order for us to move Taos County forward, it takes an effort of collaboration and funding.”
District 5 County Commissioner Candyce O’Donnell also thanked Leger Fernández, and said she is looking forward to seeing the old courthouse come back to life. “I’m looking forward to the day when different groups can utilize this space,” she said. “I’m hoping that once everything is repaired, we’ll revitalize business here on the plaza… This is a building worth saving.”
“I really look forward to seeing this place lively again,” added District 4 County Commissioner AnJanette Brush.
Town councilmember-elect Marietta Fambro and Taos County Manager Brent Jaramillo were also in attendance.
Initial renovation plans will envolve in three stages, including construction of an ADA-accessible elevator and public restrooms. The downstairs will be used to house various storefronts, while the upstairs plans still remain in the works.
There have been talks of allowing the Taos County Historical Society, Taos Pueblo, the Taos Chamber of Commerce and several others to take control of the upstairs courtroom area, but no decision had been as of press time Wednesday (March 23).