Annaba , you may be correct. I have never been to their reservation to see for myself. I'm not to far away , maybe I'll drive down there and visit the rez...
I am also wondering about these sustainable jobs , the ones that are not minimum wage.
Like the jobs in the MJ Research center.
They will need a few Chemists , Biologists , and Engineers.
Hmmmm , there is some kind of deal with the University to use or train students. I need to do more research on these sustainable non minimum wage jobs.
Like how many will be filled by the Pueblo Tribe and how many from the University.
Did I mention the governments program to stimulate foreign investment in America by relaxing/modifying immigration policies , EB-5?
Bright Group is actively recruiting foreign workers and investments using this 1990 EB-5 law.
I need to research that aspect some more.
More on employment.
Notice the $10-$20 bux an hour remark.
I wonder how many Indians will get those $10 dollar jobs?
CIBOLA COUNTY – John Stockwell returned to Grants several months ago with two goals in mind – open the existing greenhouse on Hanosh Boulevard this year and start an expansion of the existing greenhouse by the beginning of next year –nearly 500 jobs total. Pay will range from $10 per hour to $20 per hour.
“We’ll start off slow, 30 to 40 jobs, once the old greenhouse opens,” said Stockwell recently. “As it gets going, the old greenhouse will employ up to 100 people.”
The entrepreneur added that once the 65-acre expansion begins, another 375 people would be needed. Stockwell has estimated construction labor alone to cost him about $28 million. “Do the math, those are some good paying jobs,” he commented.
Construction could take up to two years, according to Stockwell. Once construction is complete, the new large facility will require 275-300 employees for regular operations.
About two months ago, residents began to see activity at the damaged greenhouse that has sat vacant for more than 10 years. “We had a lot of cleaning to do, and a lot of getting rid of stuff that is unnecessary for the fully automated greenhouse,” Stockwell said. Nearly 20 people are currently preparing the facility to open in October.
The planned “up-to-date” facilities, including the old greenhouse, are switching from traditional vegetable cultivation to pot plants that contain medicinal purpose, which may benefit people or animals with a debilitating medical condition. The investment is an additional $19.2 million.
Cannabis is one of the medicinal plants Stockwell would like to include in the greenhouses. However, the entrepreneur is not putting all of his eggs in one basket like he did with tomatoes more than 10 years ago. “There are so many plants of medicinal value (more than 4,000), including ginseng, ginger, etc. The demand for medicinal value plants is great. And, once complete, no facility will compare with this fully automated system.”
Stockwell is currently waiting for a permit from the State to grow cannabis. No matter the case, because of the value of medicinal plants and their demand, the facilities will be highly regulated, said Stockwell.
In addition to the greenhouses opening, Stockwell has offered and New Mexico State University officials have accepted, a training program to include the development of computerized greenhouse facilities and modern essential oil extraction capabilities. The industrial scale versions of the methods and facilities are not available on the college’s campus. “It’s a win-win situation,” said Stockwell. “We have big plans and Grants is a part of it. The future for Grants looks bright.”
The entrepreneur recently completed a court battle that lasted more than 10 years. “I bought the place, had it for three months and grew one crop of tomatoes,” said Stockwell. “That is when all hell broke loose.”
He was referring to a dispute with an electric company related to his Estancia greenhouse. Stockwell ended up filing for bankruptcy and reorganizing in the process, allowing him to possibly start where he left off with a whole new set of foreign investors.
“I’m back,” he said. “I feel like I owe the Grants community. Because of the situation in Estancia, I never had the chance to succeed here. Grants, New Mexico is the best place in the world to grow in a greenhouse. The sunlight is perfect.”
It appears everything is falling into place for Stockwell – there are investors, medicinal value plants are hot items, Grants’ greenhouse still stands, and he purchased land for the expansion almost directly across the street from the current greenhouse for a lot less than its market value during the recent tax sale. However, one challenge remains – a $2.3 million County property tax bill.
Despite the fact the facility was non-operational for more than 10 years, it appears it was taxed as if it was in operation up until just two years ago, according to Stockwell. The yearly tax bill remained at approximately $160,000 from 2005 until 2012. In 2013, and after years of appeals from Stockwell, the property tax bill dropped to about $25,000. “Why wasn’t it at $25,000 since it closed?” Stockwell questioned.
Bruce Boynton, Stockwell’s local attorney who is currently handling the tax issue case for him, said the argument is the property was taxed like if it was in operation. “And, why would the property bill go down from $180,000 to $25,000?” said Stockwell. “Apparently, something took place. I am not trying to get out of paying; I will pay what is fair. But being taxed like it is open is wrong.”
Boynton said, “We understand the economic impact. The County also recognizes the timeframe and the importance to find a solution. County officials have been very cooperative and we are looking at what we can do to resolve the tax issue as soon as possible.” He added, “The County is interested in seeing this project come into fruition, but we have to follow the letter of the law.”
The tax issue needs to be resolved in order for the ownership of the greenhouse operations to change hands from the previous owners (Sunny Land Fresh Farms) to the Bright Green Group.
Representatives from the County, including County Treasurer Delores Vallejos and new County Manager Tony Boyd, said that they understand the total amount of more than $2 million is still owed and State officials are involved in trying to collect the amount. “Besides that, there really is no comment,” said Vallejos.
http://m.cibolabeacon.com/mobile/ne...cle_5f50d9ae-4023-11e5-b929-c76ea6457377.html
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I could not find the popcorn eating emoji
