ROSWELL, N.M. (KRQE) – Lawmakers are backing the idea of bringing a major air racing event to New Mexico. After six decades in Reno, Nevada, the National Championship Air Races are looking for a new home and Roswell is one of the finalists. Roswell leaders say if their city is chosen, they expect to see 60,000-70,000 visitors in the first year with a $100 million economic impact to the region.
A bill putting $10 million toward upgrades at the Roswell Air Center easily cleared its first committee. Lawmakers say it’s an important step toward showing the air races and that Roswell is the right choice. What we need to do, Roswell needs to do, the airport, is show some commitment to them. There are some upgrades to some facilities that we will need,” said Rep. Jared Hembree (R-Chaves).
Improvements would include a grandstand for spectators and RV infrastructure. The air races are expected to announce the final selection for their new home by the end of March.
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