It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Fort Selden Historic Site gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Dona Ana, NM is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Extremely recommend this family owned reputable company that offers excellent senior care services. Owners are”
“Reliable, professional, responsible and above and beyond senior care services agency.”
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“They are honest and they do everything they can to satisfy your requests! They always”
“This agency is full of sweet people who have a real heart for helping the”
“Always Care Senior services is committed to provide the best care for our family. Awesome”
“I love working here! The boss and supervisor are constantly checking up on both caregivers”
“I really enjoy being a caregiver with Always Best Care. I'm thankful for the opportunity”
“I am very pleased that I chose Always Best Care Senior Services for our parents.”
“The staff and everyone at this agency was amazing. They were professional and yet very”
“Carlos and his team do amazing work. I highly recommend their service. Outstanding!!”
“Always Care Senior services is committed to provide the best care for our family. Awesome”
“Had an excellent experience so far in the first few months of service from Always”
“I love working for this company. The staff are so friendly and very accomadating if”
“The best home care services for seniors!!!”
“Carlos and his team do amazing work. I highly recommend their service. Outstanding!!”
“Our family is been so pleased with the care and attention we have received for”
“Always Best Care Senior Services has an extremely knowledgeable and caring team. The level of”
“This agency is really friendly. They are also very knowledgeable about the resources in the”
“Always Best Care Senior Services has an extremely knowledgeable and caring team. The level of”
“Extremely recommend this family owned reputable company that offers excellent senior care services. Owners are A1, providers are exceptional and staff is extremely knowledgeable. I can’t say enough but positive feedback. Will really recommend this company for all your senior needs and services.”
“Reliable, professional, responsible and above and beyond senior care services agency.”
“I love, being part of this great Team we have!! I am a caregiver and love spending time with the elderly and there families!!”
“They are honest and they do everything they can to satisfy your requests! They always come through with providing the best quality home care for your loved one! I highly recommend them for senior care services! They truly deserve the name of, “Always Best Care Senior Services of El Paso.””
“This agency is full of sweet people who have a real heart for helping the elderly. They are so helpful. There is no one else that I would rather work with.”
“Always Care Senior services is committed to provide the best care for our family. Awesome and friendly staff. Highly recommend!”
“I love working here! The boss and supervisor are constantly checking up on both caregivers and family to make sure we have the equipment and support we need. They truly stand by their name. If your looking for a care agency for your loved ones. Look no further because I truly enjoy working for them and I know they hire caregivers who love their job. Patients are our number one concern and the care we provide should be the best. I have learned so much working for ABC Senior Services and I’m grateful for their support.”
“I really enjoy being a caregiver with Always Best Care. I'm thankful for the opportunity to help seniors in making their lives a little easier!”
“I am very pleased that I chose Always Best Care Senior Services for our parents. Their commitment to client care and integrity of their staff make families of loved ones feel completely at ease. Thank you!”
“The staff and everyone at this agency was amazing. They were professional and yet very personable. My father-in-law just turned 100 and my mother-in-law is 96, and together they can be a handful. I would highly recommend Always Best Care, without any hesitation.”
“Carlos and his team do amazing work. I highly recommend their service. Outstanding!!”
“Always Care Senior services is committed to provide the best care for our family. Awesome and friendly staff. Highly recommend!”
“Had an excellent experience so far in the first few months of service from Always Best Care. Owner Carlos Camacho personally involved himself in making sure my father received the care he needed. Carlos met him at the hospital as he was discharged to make sure he got home safely. My father's regular caregiver has also been excellent in helping him with daily life activities.”
“I love working for this company. The staff are so friendly and very accomadating if you have an emergency or something personal to attend to. I recommend these services for anyone who needs in home care.”
“The best home care services for seniors!!!”
“Carlos and his team do amazing work. I highly recommend their service. Outstanding!!”
“Our family is been so pleased with the care and attention we have received for our Mother. Our worries when we cannot be near both our parents has dwindled to almost nothing. We are very happy that we decided on Always Best Care. The people that help us are an excellent team that work with us and keep the lines of communication open. The y always have answers to our questions and make the whole family feel safe. Thanks again A.B.Care. The Rodriguez Family”
“Always Best Care Senior Services has an extremely knowledgeable and caring team. The level of attention to detail is extraordinary. The services they offer not only to seniors but to our community is unmatched. If you are searching for someone that can get the job done effectively, look no further. I highly recommend doing business with them.”
“This agency is really friendly. They are also very knowledgeable about the resources in the area.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services has an extremely knowledgeable and caring team. The level of attention to detail is extraordinary. The services they offer not only to seniors but to our community is unmatched. If you are searching for someone that can get the job done effectively, look no further. I highly recommend doing business with them.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting La Llorona Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Double Eagle Restaurant or visit Old Dona Ana County Courthouse, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Dona Ana, NM, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Dona Ana, NM understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Dona Ana, NM 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
DONA ANA COUNTY, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — The City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County Commissioners allege that American Medical Response (AMR) has failed to meet response-time standards throughout their agreement.Both the county and city received updates on Monday on ambulance services and opioid settlement funds.Councilors and commissioners heard from Stephen Lopez, assistant county manager, and Brad Douglas, city attorney, about the ambulance service provided by AMR.The City contracts with AMR for ambulance se...
DONA ANA COUNTY, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — The City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County Commissioners allege that American Medical Response (AMR) has failed to meet response-time standards throughout their agreement.
Both the county and city received updates on Monday on ambulance services and opioid settlement funds.
Councilors and commissioners heard from Stephen Lopez, assistant county manager, and Brad Douglas, city attorney, about the ambulance service provided by AMR.
The City contracts with AMR for ambulance services while the County leases its ambulance license and its certificate of need to AMR.
The city and county are alleging that AMR has consistently failed to meet response-time standards throughout the life of the agreement.
Lopez said that in the last quarter of 2024, Dona Ana County Fire Rescue had to transfer an average of 225 patients each month because AMR was unable to do so.
Because the county leased its ambulance license to AMR, the county was unable to bill insurance companies an annual average of $1.4 million.
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Douglas explained that ambulance service calls that do not meet response-time requirements are subject to liquidated damages. The damages would be payable to the county at the end of the fiscal year.
The current alleged liquidated damages are $450,000 for Quarter 1, $973,000 for Quarter 2 and $867,000 for Quarter 3, according to the county and city.
Douglas said 2,607 calls for service in Quarter 2 were considered late. Douglas said AMR can still contest alleged late calls from the second and third quarters but, so far, has only requested exemption in 283 calls from Quarter 2.
The city’s contract administrator may determine that a material breach has occurred and public health and safety are endangered. If that happens, AMR will be given a reasonable opportunity to correct the breach.
Douglas outlined an emergency takeover clause if there is non-compliance for six months in a proceeding 12-month period; then the Ambulance Oversight Committee can recommend the city take over operations of AMR services.
If the Ambulance Oversight Committee concurs with the contract administrator, emergency takeover by the city can occur within 72 hours of that finding.
City attorneys will send a letter to AMR asking how they plan to remediate any issues pertaining to response times.
If emergency takeover provisions are deemed necessary, the City and County will prepare to handle ambulance services in-house.
AMR can terminate the agreement, without cause, as soon as July 1, 2025.
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FILE - Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — A dispute over the authority of Dona Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart has led to a legal standoff, leaving 14 cadets from the County's Sheriff's Office Training Academy not commissioned.The cadets graduated on February 13, but nearly two weeks later, they remain without official deputy status.RELATED:...
FILE - Doña Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart. Credit: KFOX14/CBS4
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — A dispute over the authority of Dona Ana County Sheriff Kim Stewart has led to a legal standoff, leaving 14 cadets from the County's Sheriff's Office Training Academy not commissioned.
The cadets graduated on February 13, but nearly two weeks later, they remain without official deputy status.
RELATED:Dona Ana County files writ to compel sheriff to commission new deputies amid power dispute
County Attorney Cari Neill explained the situation, saying, "When the sheriff was notified of this, she sent multiple emails stating that if she can't decommission the officers, she will not commission them."
The county has requested a court order to compel Stewart to deputize the new cadets.
According to the county, Stewart's refusal stems from her inability to decommission current deputies.
Stewart expressed her frustration on Facebook, stating, "I believe I am the only Sheriff since 1852 to be served with three writs in 6 years. These are considered an effort of last choice because there is no other remedy. I think answering my emails would have been a better choice."
County Commission Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez has called for an external audit to address the ongoing dispute.
"It's a lot to go through, not even I understand the entirety of what we're dealing with," Schaljo-Hernandez said. "So commissioners, I would like to point out that maybe it is time that we get an external audit going and we kind of see what is going on and where, where the deficiencies are, and what we can do to help the sheriff and help the department."
Stewart welcomed the audit but insisted on having a say in selecting the external auditor.
Below is her full statement:
...we are very pleased to hear the Board of County Commissioners are seeking an external audit. It is suggested that the external auditors' work be extended to include Human Resources and the Legal Department as these departments are regularly impacted by these partnerships. Sheriff Stewart is not the first in her Office to have challenging experiences with county government and has requested numerous times over the years for a mediator to be retained. Her request is now likely to materialize sooner than later. It is also imperative that DASO should be given the opportunity to collectively agree on a fair and unbiased external auditor.
DASO is willing to work closely with county management in order to maintain consistent cohesiveness as we continue to move forward.
Stewart declined to comment further on camera.
Below is her Facebook post:
Attached below are the Writ of Mandamus asking Stewart to commission the recently graduated deputies and the "emergency petition for Writ of Mandamus" the Dona Ana County Manager Scott Andrews filed, which includes Stewart emails where she questions her authority:
Click here to view the PDF file.
Click here to view the PDF file.
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Three local lawmakers have introduced legislation that would establish New Mexico's 36th state park, located in Don?a Ana County.State Sen. Jeff Steinborn and House Reps. Nathan Small and Joanne Ferrary introduced legislation to establish the Slot Canyon Riverlands State Park along the Rio Grande."Our state is starting to do more in terms of land conservation," Steinborn said in a recent interview with the Sun-News. "I think it's an idea whose time has come. We are in a fortunate place rig...
Three local lawmakers have introduced legislation that would establish New Mexico's 36th state park, located in Don?a Ana County.
State Sen. Jeff Steinborn and House Reps. Nathan Small and Joanne Ferrary introduced legislation to establish the Slot Canyon Riverlands State Park along the Rio Grande.
"Our state is starting to do more in terms of land conservation," Steinborn said in a recent interview with the Sun-News. "I think it's an idea whose time has come. We are in a fortunate place right now with the state revenues to hopefully be able to fund this infrastructure."
The proposed park would encompass 783 acres of land owned by the New Mexico State Parks Division located approximately 20 miles north of Las Cruces adjacent to Highway 185. The land consists of two parcels at the confluence of Broad Canyon and Selden Canyon within the lower Rio Grande south of Caballo Dam and north of Leasburg Dam.
Native river riparian forests, meadows and wetland habitats lie within the proposed Slot Canyon Riverlands State Park, including the 40-acre Swan Pond. The park would connect to the planned New Mexico Rio Grande Trail and provide parking, trail access to Slot Canyon and Rio Grande, camping and river recreation access.
The bill asks for a $9 million appropriation from the general fund in Fiscal Year 2026 and subsequent years to develop and operate the state park. State law requires a feasibility study prior to establishing a state park, which was funded and commissioned during the 30-day legislative session in 2024.
"(Small) and I thought it was a fantastic idea and State Parks know how special the property is because they managed it," Steinborn said. "We had to get the funding for the feasibility study so we went down that path. The feasibility study I think speaks for itself. It shows that it's very rich with ecological resources with a lot of wildlife and recreational opportunity.
"Because of its location, we believe it would be a very popular park that would support the investment."
The land was acquired by the state in 2008. Local advocates, including Friends of the Organ Mountain Desert Peaks, have since taken an interest in establishing a state park to address accessibility and parking issues at the popular Slot Canyon hiking trails.
"It came on our radar because of the popularity of Slot Canyon, just seeing people have to jump over a fence, cars sort of being dangerously parked on the side of the road and folks running across a road where the speed limit is 45 or 50 (miles per hour) there," said Friends of Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks Executive Director Patrick Nolan.
The $9 million would cover infrastructure such as trail improvements, restoration work, access to water, parking, roads and potential camping sites.
"Slot Canyon Riverlands State Park will boost economic development, improve wildlife habitat, and be a gem for southern New Mexico," Small said in a release announcing the legislation. "I'm proud to be part of this important project that will create new opportunities for New Mexicans to enjoy the lands and wildlife that make our state and our community such a special place to live."
The project's first hearing is Thursday in the House Rural Development, Land Grants and Cultural Affairs committee.
"State Parks is behind this and want to make this a state park so I think that is working in our favor," Nolan said. "The governor I think supports this idea so I'm really optimistic that we can make this happen."
Jason Groves can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @jpgroves.
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