Login

County presents first reading of glove factory ordinance

Print

Ordinance to be voted on early in the New Year

County Attorney Doug Decker presented the first reading of an ordinance for a $3.5 million grant from the New Mexico Economic Development Department during the McKinley County Board of Commissioners regular meeting Dec. 18.

The grant is for the proposed glove factory east of Gallup that will be operated by Korea-based supply manufacturer, Rhino Health, LLC.

Decker said once an agreement on the ordinance is reached, the funds would be transferred from the state to the county, which would undergo a reimbursement process when the project is underway.

The ordinance, which will be voted on in January, would authorize the execution of an intergovernmental agreement and a project participation agreement to accept the county as a fiscal agent on the project.

Decker said the county can become a fiscal agent once the appropriate thresholds are met. He said this particular process would not be a cumbersome challenge to the project.

Rhino Health, LLC’s head, Mark Lee, was present at the regular meeting to show his appreciation and enthusiasm for the project.

“Everything’s coming together,” Lee said.

He said equipment for the first manufacturing line can be brought to the site as soon as Jan. 14.

Lee said it would take around two months to put all of the proper equipment together in order to begin the manufacturing process. Most jobs would begin in March 2019.

“[I am] looking forward to becoming a dynamic member of the community,” Lee said.

Chairperson Genevieve Jackson voiced her appreciation for Rhino Health, LLC’s decision to set up their plant in McKinley County.

By Cody Begaye
Sun Correspondent

Share/Save/Bookmark