LAS CRUCES, NM, Jan. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The City of Las Cruces announces the launch of its Fast Track permitting program, a new process designed to expedite permitting for businesses wishing to locate or expand their footprint there the city of Las Cruces. The Las Cruces City Council passed a resolution Establishment of the Fast Track Approval Program to expedite the review and approval of qualifying economic development projects within the city, including the Las Cruces Innovation and Industrial Park. The permit program is intended for larger economic development projects but could be a catalyst for future programs such as B. small businesses and affordable housing projects.

“Las Cruces is open to business and we are committed to enabling businesses to relocate and/or expand into our city as seamlessly as possible,” said Las Cruces City Manager Ifo Pili. “We offer a business-friendly environment in the Borderplex region – which gives businesses access to 2.7 million people, 400,000 employees, two airports, two major freeways and rail links, and seven universities.”

The City of Las Cruces also has the Las Cruces Innovation & Industrial Park, a Quest Site certified site with 500 acres ready to lease/purchase and 400 acres ready to be shoveled. The park has high speed connections as well as the ability to operate within a foreign trade zone.

Businesses qualify for Fast Track if the project is non-residential and meets at least one of the following criteria:

• Creation of at least 40 full-time permanent positions in the first 24 months of operation
• Complete buildout of at least 20,000 square feet of buildings for a new or expanded operation
• Obtain all permits for the City of Las Cruces development code

“With unbeatable weather — more than 300 days of sunshine a year — a motivated and educated workforce, affordable housing and all of our amenities, Las Cruces, New Mexico has it all,” said Pili…