Board discusses COVID-19 recovery

Board members of the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corp. last week discussed ways the region could recover quicker in the COVID-19 era, including its wide-open spaces offering opportunities for crowded urban-dwellers and the city’s airport providing a safer alternative for travelers.

They also briefly discussed a long-term plan by the Southern Rural Development Center, but Tucumcari Mayor Ruth Ann Litchfield cited the need to “come up with something now” for businesses that soon will reopen — especially with a lack of protective masks for them and their customers.

Patrick Vanderpool, executive director of the EDC, said during the April 28 meeting held via Zoom videoconference he was most impressed by the International Economic Development Council’s 10-part action plan for the coronavirus pandemic. It states normalcy won’t return for six to 18 months.

The plan lists these strategies:

• Assess leading industries and clusters;

• Enlist and prepare anchor institutions, such as colleges;

• Pandemic-proof airports and transit hubs;

• Prepare large-scale civic assets, such as the convention center;

• Modify vital infrastructure and public space;

• Prepare for more remote work;

• Ensure Main Street survives;

• Protect the arts and creative economy;

• Upgrade jobs for frontline service workers; and

• Protect less-advantaged communities.

Vanderpool, citing the council’s statement that “smaller communities will have opportunity,” said congested large cities and their mass-transit systems in the COVID-19 era may become less attractive to remote workers there. He said “social distancing is part of the DNA” of eastern New Mexico and could draw those workers who also desire a backyard or play areas for their children.

Quay County manager Richard Primrose said “I think it would be good advertising” to tout the county for people who would be able to own five to six acres.

Litchfield said local real-estate firms have told her about people from the East “wanting to get out” of cities who have inquired almost daily about property in Tucumcari.

Primrose noted the region still may see detrimental effects from the pandemic, especially with a ban on large gatherings. That would affect county fairs and high-school football games, he said. Primrose also said “one size doesn’t fit all” with coronavirus restrictions.

Vanderpool said Tucumcari’s well-equipped airport may become a good alternative to pilots instead of the crowded Albuquerque airport.

Several board members noted the region is well positioned for renewable energy opportunities with wind and solar power.

Vanderpool said the Southern Rural Development Center’s Create Bridges strategies, partially funded by Walmart, devotes one-third of its budget to implementation. It provides workforce incentives, training, business support and other strategies. It would be implemented over a six- to eight-county area.

Litchfield said she was disinclined to attend more meetings for a plan that covers a wide area.

“We need to come up with something now” for Quay County, she said.

Primrose said when New Mexico’s economy reopens, a lack of masks and other personal protective equipment will remain an issue for local businesses.

Carmen Runyan, executive director of the Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce, agreed there are immediate needs with area businesses. She advocated providing PPE for businesses so they can open amid partial health restrictions.

“It does distress me to see more people without masks than with,” Litchfield added.

Vanderpool acknowledged a problem with mask availability, noting a recent order he placed for them won’t arrive until May 15 at the earliest.

Primrose said he’d look into providing masks for the community.

Bob Hockaday said he’d investigate a machine that vaporizes hydrogen peroxide for disinfection purposes and having the Rotary Club help distribute masks.