Quay County Commissioners on Monday approved a grant submission for $30,000 aimed at improvements at the Quay County Rodeo Arena.

The grant request was presented to commissioners by County 4-H Agent John Vilalba and Mesalands Community College rodeo coach C.J. Aragon.

Vilalba said the application will be submitted to the New Mexico Rodeo Council. He said last year they submitted and received a grant for $24,000, with which they built new bucking chutes at the arena.

“Our main goal (this time) is to purchase a new crow’s nest for announcers to be able to use,” Vilalba said. “We will take down the old crow’s nest and convert it into storage for the rodeo equipment.”

Vilalba said if the grant is received, a portion will also be used to rebuild part of the north fence of the arena.

“I think this is a great idea,” Commissioner Bill Curry said. “If we continue to improve the arena, it may draw in more people to our events.”

Commissioners also:

• Approved the disposal of firearms by the Quay County Sheriff’s Office. Older shotguns that have been repaired will be sold by the sheriff’s office.

• Approved the purchase of a $36,000 forklift to be used at the Quay County Fair Grounds.

• Approved the submission of a $400,000 stimulus grant application to complete road work on Airport Road.