Grant County
Grants Awarded
The Gila National Forest aims to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for residents and tourists, promoting public health and economic growth while fostering environmental stewardship among visitors. This marketing initiative seeks to draw more individuals to experience the beauty of the forest, creating positive outcomes for program participants and the local community.
Grant County, together with partners like the Gila National Forest, Bat Conservation International, National Forest Foundation, and Western New Mexico University, is upgrading the Forks Campground in the Gila Wilderness. Improvements include making the area Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant, carrying out infrastructure enhancements, creating a better visitor experience, and introducing a $10 per night fee for maintenance purposes. Once completed, visitors will be able to reserve camping spots in advance, increasing accessibility and allowing for better planning.
Grant County residents are fortunate to have a meaningful quality of life, desirable climate, recreational activities and access to nature. Grant County also benefits from an institute of higher education in Western New Mexico University, quality healthcare, public transit, the Grant County Airport that provides essential air services providing direct flights to Albuquerque, NM and Phoenix, AZ. However, the County does face some challenges including the composition of our population and its dynamics. According to the latest U.S. Census, with a Grant County has a population slightly over 28,000 consisting of 49.8% Hispanic and 19.7% categorized living in poverty, The County will continue to provide growth and economic prosperity in constructive ways for its citizens to help ensure that public services and investments are provide in an efficient and intelligent manner.