HOUSE MEMORIAL 10

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Tanya Mirabal Moya and Brian G. Baca and Gail Armstrong

and Joshua A. Sanchez

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 6, 2025 "VALENCIA COUNTY DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, Valencia county is part of the historic Rio Abajo region; and

     WHEREAS, in 1739, the king of Spain granted the famous town of Tome land grant-merced to thirty families, establishing a foundational community in what is now Valencia county; and

     WHEREAS, the village of Los Lunas was founded by Spaniards in the eighteenth century and has grown to become New Mexico's second-fastest-growing community, experiencing expansive population growth; and

     WHEREAS, Belen, officially known as "Nuestra Senora de Belen", was a strategic point along the Camino Real, also known as "the Royal Road", which carved a trade route south into Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, Belen later became known as "the hub city" due to the Belen cutoff of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad, now known as the BNSF railway company; and

     WHEREAS, Belen is home to the BNSF railway fuel station, which plays a critical role in supporting the transport of goods across the country, reinforcing the city's importance as a major hub for logistics and commerce; and

     WHEREAS, Peralta was the site of a minor engagement during the American Civil War; and

     WHEREAS, Bosque Farms became a destination for relocated dust bowl refugees and continues to embrace its identity as a sparsely populated agricultural community; and

     WHEREAS, Rio Communities is home to Valencia county's only golf course, Tierra del Sol, and continues to serve as a recreational and residential destination; and

     WHEREAS, agriculture remains a vital part of Valencia county's identity and economy; and

     WHEREAS, the original pre-1937 United States route 66 runs through the heart of Valencia county, linking it to a rich history of trade, transportation and cultural exchange; and

     WHEREAS, Valencia county is home to the decalogue stone, which contains an inscription interpreted to be an abridged version of the ten commandments in Paleo-Hebrew, adding to its historical significance; and

     WHEREAS, Valencia county houses two prominent museums, the Belen Harvey house museum and the Los Lunas museum of heritage and arts, which preserve the history and cultural heritage of the region; and

     WHEREAS, Valencia county is home to parts of the Cibola national forest and the Manzano mountain wilderness, providing scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation; and

     WHEREAS, Valencia county is the home of the largest matanza in the world, a symbol of the rich Spanish heritage of the Rio Grande valley, hosted annually by the Hispano chamber of Valencia county to preserve traditions, promote local businesses and raise funds for scholarships; and

     WHEREAS, the greater Valencia county chamber of commerce has played a pivotal role in driving business growth and expansion in the region by fostering collaboration among local businesses, providing valuable resources and supporting initiatives that enhance economic development and community prosperity; and

     WHEREAS, the village of Los Lunas has emerged as a catalyst for industrial manufacturing, technological advancement and economic development in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, Valencia county is now a growing hub for manufacturing and logistics, with major employers, such as Meta, Amazon and Arcosa, driving job creation and economic prosperity; and

     WHEREAS, Valencia county's central location, transportation infrastructure and business-friendly environment position it as a strong contender to become the new home of the New Mexico state fair, providing economic benefits to the state and enhancing the region's tourism and community engagement opportunities; and

     WHEREAS, Kaitlyn Maria of Belen, Valencia county rodeo queen, was crowned the 2025 New Mexico state fair queen, showcasing the talent and dedication of Valencia county residents on a statewide stage; and

     WHEREAS, Los Lunas and greater Valencia county continue to be a center of economic growth in New Mexico, with an expanding population, thriving industries and innovative development projects contributing to New Mexico's competitiveness on a national and global scale;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 6, 2025 be declared "Valencia County Day" in the house of representatives; and 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the mayors of Belen, Los Lunas, Bosque Farms, Peralta and Rio Communities and the chair of the board of county commissioners of Valencia county.

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