Texico's Port of Entry relocating

TEXICO — Trucks and their drivers will have a new welcome-to-New-Mexico location in five months, if all goes as planned for the new Port of Entry.

The port’s building, about a mile west of Texico, is the state’s former visitor’s center, which closed in September 2014.

The project is expected to cost $2 million, which was awarded to Curry County by Gov. Susana Martinez in capital outlay.

Foreman Kenneth Truelock said the project began construction in mid-June and should be complete in November.

“The trucks will come in along the (east) side of the building and there will be a scale and inspection center,” Truelock said.

Greg Fouratt, former cabinet secretary for the New Mexico Department of Public Safety, said last year the existing building is also going to be remodeled, adding new features that include offices, storage and private bathrooms.

No plans for a new visitor’s center have been announced.

The port of entry today is on the western edge of Texico’s city limits.