Governor proposes $12 million rodeo facility

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)--Gov. Bill Richardson Jan. 25 promised $12 million to build an indoor-outdoor equestrian facility for rodeo and horse events.

"It'll be an important part of growing New Mexico rodeo programs" and key to attracting professional rodeo events, the governor said at a news conference.

The new facility would house traditional rodeo events such as team roping and professional bull riding, as well as equestrian activities such as cutting, hunter-jumper shows and breed shows.

Building a state-of-the-art center was a request of the Rodeo Council created by the governor a year ago. The council also will recommend where the facility should be located; Richardson said he wanted that recommendation by about mid-April.

The money would be allocated from the governor's share of capital projects spending in a bill that lawmakers will vote on later this session.

Richardson also said he will earmark another $3 million of those capital funds to improve local fair facilities across the state that are used for rodeo activities.

And he has proposed to continue funding--$700,000 in the budget year that begins July 1--for existing rodeo programs, including those in schools and colleges.

According to rodeo supporters, about 4,800 contestants participate in rodeo events in 31 New Mexico counties.

Date:1/26/06