GGEDC, BNSF to be on hand
Officials at the Greater Gallup Economic Development Corporation, Gallup Land Partners, LLC, along with officials from McKinley County, the city of Gallup, and various officials from the state of New Mexico are set to get together Oct. 17 for a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Gallup Energy Logistics Park.
The $4 million project, which will begin operations in January 2017, will provide business within its 2,500-acre area, premier shipping, and logistic services of long-haul freight from highway to rail.
“Growing our region’s transportation network will benefit our business and our community as a whole,” Patricia Lundstrom, executive director at GGEDC, said. “I am thrilled that Gallup Land Partners is making this investment, as the new facility will enable increased trucking and shipping in northwest New Mexico.”
In the past, representatives from GGEDC, McKinley County, and the city have lauded the impact of the facility.
“We are excited to have Gallup Land Partners make this investment in the community. We know the importance of rail in our region, and the start of this work emphasizes just that,” Tommy Haws, GGEDC board president, said. “This terminal will not only help connect McKinley County’s businesses to the global marketplace, but it will also help stimulate the Gallup-McKinley County economy.”
Robert Roche, president of Roche Enterprises, the company that owns GLP, said the investment will transform an industrial space into a modern and state-of-the-art facility.
“None of this would be possible without the vision, dedication and commitment of our many partners in this project, including the [GGEDC], McKinley County, the city of Gallup, and the state of New Mexico,” Roche said.
According to Roche, construction of the terminal will begin in November, with initial activity focused on clearing the site to prepare for major construction. The target completion date is set for January 2017.
Gallup Mayor Jackie McKinney offered kudos on the long-anticipated project.
“We are pleased to welcome Gallup Land Partners,” he said. “The city of Gallup has a long history with the railroad and we are excited to begin the next chapter.”
McKinney added that since the site was announced in 2014, the project has received broad-based support from local, county, state, and federal-level officials, as well as from economic development associations and various other stakeholders.
GGEDC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that is the primary economic development umbrella of the city of Gallup and McKinley County.
The Oct. 17 groundbreaking introduction is scheduled for noon at the Gallup Cultural Center, 201 E. Hwy. 66. Groundbreaking will take place starting at 1:30 pm at the logistics park, three miles north of Gallup. For more information, call GGEDC at (505) 722-2980.
Bernie Dotson contributed to this report. Michael Sage is deputy director for the GGEDC.
By Michael Sage
For the Sun
