Bio-combustion Project Will Provide Heat at New Mexico Hospital

Area officials met last week to launch a bio-combustion project at Fort Bayard.  The Natural Resources Conservation Service is participating in the project.

The initiative will provide wood-fueled steam heat to the medical center.

"If funding can be obtained quickly, the necessary equipment could be purchased and installed by October," stated a news release from the Grant County Jobs and Bio-Diversity Coalition.

The officials intend to ask the state Legislature for funding this year.

"This will be an innovative approach to bio-combustion opportunities in the Southwest, and will provide a valuable way to use small-diameter wood material being generated from forest-thinning activities," the release said.

It continued: "Finding marketable uses for this type of material will greatly enhance the ability to continue fuel-treatment projects that help (reduce) hazardous fuels. This will increase protection (of) our communities from catastrophic wildfire."

Organizers tout the project as "an excellent model that demonstrates effective partnerships (among) the communities and federal, state and local agencies."

The release noted that the national fire plan "encourages such projects and recognizes the value of working together to achieve improved forest health and reduced fire risks."

Participants in the bio-combustion effort include the hospital and the coalition, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Grant County Commission, the area's legislative delegation, Gila National Forest, Gila WoodNet, Silver City-Grant County Economic Development Corp., state Department of Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources, state Forestry Division, state Department of Labor, The Nature Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, Public Regulatory Commission, Hispanic Round Table, Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society, and the state Property Control Division.

Courtesy of Silver City Daily Press.