The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

 


Media Contact: Susan McKinsey, 277-1989

August 23, 2006

UNM Regents Ratify Rio Rancho Agreement in Principle
Master plan competition anticipated

The University of New Mexico Board of Regents has unanimously ratified the letter of agreement detailing a land exchange that will pave the way for a future UNM campus in Rio Rancho. The letter of agreement in principle was signed August 17 by State Land Commissioner Patrick Lyons and acting UNM President David Harris.

The anticipated closing for the land exchange is October 1. In a deal being negotiated with the State Land Office, UNM would receive 216 acres near the future city centre in Rio Rancho in exchange for land worth approximately $6 million, from various parcels of excess land that the university owns around the state. Regents will vote on the final agreement prior to the closing.

Regents President Jamie Koch says he will invite a motion at the regular regents meeting in September to inaugurate a master plan competition for the Rio Rancho acreage, inviting participation from New Mexico and national planning experts. “We have an opportunity with this vacant land to incorporate the best ideas for a campus, “ said Koch. “Until the master plan is in place, our development there will be on hold.” Koch also said the needs assessment currently being done for the project must be completed so the university will know exactly what route will be taken in Rio Rancho for the next several years.

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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

www.unm.edu