HOUSE MEMORIAL 48

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2026

INTRODUCED BY

Tanya Mirabal Moya and Gail Armstrong and Brian G. Baca

and Michelle Paulene Abeyta

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

DECLARING FEBRUARY 4, 2026 "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 one of New Mexico's fastest-growing communities; and

     WHEREAS, the city of 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 railway, now known as the BNSF railway company; and

     WHEREAS, Belen is home to the BNSF railway fuel station, which is the busiest BNSF fuel station in the nation and 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, the town of Peralta is a historically significant agricultural community founded along the Camino Real and named for the Spanish explorer Don Pedro de Peralta; and

     WHEREAS, Peralta has a rich historical legacy as the site of the 1862 battle of Peralta, a notable engagement during the American Civil War; and

     WHEREAS, the village of Bosque Farms became a destination for relocated dust bowl refugees and was incorporated as a municipality in 1974; and

     WHEREAS, Bosque Farms has a strong agricultural heritage, with dairy production emerging as a key industry by the 1960s, making the area known as "the heart of the Rio Grande dairyland"; and

     WHEREAS, the city of Rio Communities is known for its official slogan, "spectacular views, endless opportunities", highlighting the community's natural beauty and future-focused vision; and

     WHEREAS, in 2025, Rio Communities demonstrated its commitment to infrastructure with the dedication of Founders way, a new bypass road that is noted locally as one of the fastest-completed roadway construction projects in Valencia county history; and

     WHEREAS, the original pre-1937 United States route 66 runs through the heart of Valencia county, carrying travelers through Los Lunas, Peralta and Isleta along present-day New Mexico state road 314 and Main street/New Mexico state road 6, shaping early trade, cultural exchange and economic development; and

     WHEREAS, Los Lunas will proudly celebrate its role in the pre-1937 United States route 66 alignment as part of the United States route 66 centennial observance in 2026, recognizing its impact on local businesses and community growth; and

     WHEREAS, Valencia county proudly recognizes the Pueblo of Isleta for its deep historical and cultural significance, honoring its enduring contributions to the region's heritage, identity and vitality; 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, Valencia county has emerged as a driver of technological advancement, innovation and economic growth in New Mexico with the highest number of manufacturers per capita in the state, including major employers such as Meta, Amazon, Arcosa, Colorcon, Wall Colmonoy and the Pacific Fusion build center, fueling job creation and regional prosperity; and

     WHEREAS, Los Lunas and Valencia county continue to serve as a growing economic hub in central New Mexico, supported by pro-business policies, population growth, expanding industries and innovative development that strengthen the state's national and global competitiveness;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that February 4, 2026 be proclaimed "Valencia County Day" in the house of representatives; and

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