"VALENCIA COUNTY DAY"

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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
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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
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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
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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.