The Gallup City Council unanimously approved a Behavioral Health Investment Zone Funding agreement April 4, an agreement that includes various entities. The approval was done at a special meeting which included a $200,000-plus construction contract award for improvement work to be done at the Ford Canyon Senior Center.
“This moves both of those matters forward,” Mayor Jackie McKinney afterward.
The city, along with McKinley County, Na’nizhoozhi, the Northwest New Mexico Council of Governments and Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital and Behavioral Health Services Providers applied for a state Behavioral Health Investment Zone designation and annual funding in the amount of $500,000.
The funding supports the creation and operation of a Behavioral Health Collaborative and continuum of care in addition to providing funding for detox services.
At the Ford Canyon Senior Center, that project includes the reconstruction of the building’s west side parking lot and the associated storm drainage, the reconstruction of the handicapped ramp that leads into the building, exterior stucco and roof repairs and secondary drainage improvements.
The senior center matter was introduced by public works director Stan Henderson who informed council that construction bids connected to the project opened March 16.
Henderson noted that there were two bidders with Albuquerque Asphalt the lowest bidder. The award totals $260,000 with an additional $18,000 earmarked as a contingency amount.
By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent
