There's Something Happening Here

Tucumcari is a small city of 5,989 strategically located on Interstate 40 between Albuquerque and Amarillo. With excellent educational services, transportation access and access to capital, Tucumcari is poised to serve the relocating or expanding business community. 

Ute Lake sits at Tucumcari’s back door With 283 acres of water front, it provides world class outdoor recreation. Worth mentioning is the new development of Ute Lake Ranch, a spectacular resort community currently under construction.
Mesalands Community College provides numerous community services, including a state of the art fitness center, a world class paleontology program and Dinosaur Museum, and a state of the art bronze foundry. Mesalands is also home to the North American Wind Research and Training Center, providing O&M training in the world’s tallest classroom, a 400’ tall tower capped by a 1.5MW GE turbine. Mesalands specializes in customized training for any industry.

With no congestion, short commutes, quality educational programs and an abundance of outdoor recreation, Tucumcari offers big city services in a small town environment.

Quick Facts :  

          The city of Tucumcari encompasses  7.54 square miles and has a population of 5,989.

The Five County region of Quay, Curry, Roosevelt, Guadalupe, & De Baca surrounding Tucumcari has a population of 80,107. It operates under a Mayor/Council form of government.

Temperatures average from a January low of 38 degrees to a July high average of 79 degrees.

The poverty rate currently sits at 17.7% compared to a national average of 12.4%.

The median household income is $25,441 compared to a national average of $41,994.

Of particular note, the cost of living is at 77.82% of the national average (Sperlings)

The March, 2008 Labor Statistics from the New Mexico Department of Labor show a labor force of 3,933 in Quay County and a Five County Area labor force of 38,321. The unemployment rate is 4.4%.

Principal industries include government, education, retail trade, hospitality, and construction industries.

Quay County, New Mexico

Selected Economic Characteristics: 2005-2009  
Data Set: 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Survey: American Community Survey

NOTE. Although the American Community Survey (ACS) produces population, demographic and housing unit estimates, it is the Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program that produces and disseminates the official estimates of the population for the nation, states, counties, cities and towns and estimates of housing units for states and counties. For more information on confidentiality protection, sampling error, nonsampling error, and definitions, see Survey Methodology.

Selected Economic Characteristics	Estimate	Percent
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Population 16 years and over	7,287	7,287
In labor force	3,953	54.2%
Civilian labor force	3,949	54.2%
Employed	3,641	50.0%
Unemployed	308	4.2%
Armed Forces	4	0.1%
Not in labor force	3,334	45.8%
Civilian labor force	3,949	3,949
Percent Unemployed	7.8%	(X)
Females 16 years and over	3,799	3,799
In labor force	1,784	47.0%
Civilian labor force	1,784	47.0%
Employed	1,580	41.6%
Own children under 6 years	649	649
All parents in family in labor force	380	58.6%
Own children 6 to 17 years	1,108	1,108
All parents in family in labor force	844	76.2%
COMMUTING TO WORK
Workers 16 years and over	3,453	3,453
Car, truck, or van -- drove alone	2,597	75.2%
Car, truck, or van -- carpooled	493	14.3%
Public transportation (excluding taxicab)	7	0.2%
Walked	133	3.9%
Other means	23	0.7%
Worked at home	200	5.8%
Mean travel time to work (minutes)	18.9	(X)
OCCUPATION
Civilian employed population 16 years and over	3,641	3,641
Management, professional, and related occupations	1,120	30.8%
Service occupations	715	19.6%
Sales and office occupations	725	19.9%
Farming, fishing, and forestry occupations	188	5.2%
Construction, extraction, maintenance, and repair occupations	568	15.6%
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations	325	8.9%
INDUSTRY
Civilian employed population 16 years and over	3,641	3,641
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining	463	12.7%
Construction	533	14.6%
Manufacturing	147	4.0%
Wholesale trade	19	0.5%
Retail trade	318	8.7%
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities	201	5.5%
Information	39	1.1%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing	152	4.2%
Professional, scientific, and management, and administrative and waste management services	130	3.6%
Educational services, and health care and social assistance	766	21.0%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and accommodation and food services	351	9.6%
Other services, except public administration	224	6.2%
Public administration	298	8.2%
CLASS OF WORKER
Civilian employed population 16 years and over	3,641	3,641
Private wage and salary workers	2,271	62.4%
Government workers	902	24.8%
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers	431	11.8%
Unpaid family workers	37	1.0%
INCOME AND BENEFITS (IN 2009 INFLATION-ADJUSTED DOLLARS)
Total households	3,852	3,852
Less than $10,000	695	18.0%
$10,000 to $14,999	305	7.9%
$15,000 to $24,999	596	15.5%
$25,000 to $34,999	575	14.9%
$35,000 to $49,999	490	12.7%
$50,000 to $74,999	680	17.7%
$75,000 to $99,999	264	6.9%
$100,000 to $149,999	191	5.0%
$150,000 to $199,999	30	0.8%
$200,000 or more	26	0.7%
Median household income (dollars)	29,797	(X)
Mean household income (dollars)	40,528	(X)
With earnings	2,524	65.5%
Mean earnings (dollars)	40,358	(X)
With Social Security	1,539	40.0%
Mean Social Security income (dollars)	13,429	(X)
With retirement income	837	21.7%
Mean retirement income (dollars)	19,043	(X)
With Supplemental Security Income	267	6.9%
Mean Supplemental Security Income (dollars)	6,143	(X)
With cash public assistance income	177	4.6%
Mean cash public assistance income (dollars)	4,155	(X)
With Food Stamp/SNAP benefits in the past 12 months	395	10.3%
Families	2,347	2,347
Less than $10,000	179	7.6%
$10,000 to $14,999	103	4.4%
$15,000 to $24,999	258	11.0%
$25,000 to $34,999	405	17.3%
$35,000 to $49,999	324	13.8%
$50,000 to $74,999	614	26.2%
$75,000 to $99,999	261	11.1%
$100,000 to $149,999	147	6.3%
$150,000 to $199,999	30	1.3%
$200,000 or more	26	1.1%
Median family income (dollars)	42,978	(X)
Mean family income (dollars)	51,911	(X)
Per capita income (dollars)	17,756	(X)
Nonfamily households	1,505	1,505
Median nonfamily income (dollars)	14,583	(X)
Mean nonfamily income (dollars)	21,761	(X)
Median earnings for workers (dollars)	18,228	(X)
Median earnings for male full-time, year-round workers (dollars)	28,304	(X)
Median earnings for female full-time, year-round workers (dollars)	28,393	(X)
HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE
Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population	(X)	(X)
With health insurance coverage	(X)	(X)
With private health insurance coverage	(X)	(X)
With public health coverage	(X)	(X)
No health insurance coverage	(X)	(X)
Civilian Noninstitutionalized Population Under 18 years	(X)	(X)
No health insurance coverage	(X)	(X)
PERCENTAGE OF FAMILIES AND PEOPLE WHOSE INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS IS BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL
All families	11.3%	(X)
With related children under 18 years	22.2%	(X)
With related children under 5 years only	11.9%	(X)
Married couple families	6.1%	(X)
With related children under 18 years	8.6%	(X)
With related children under 5 years only	0.0%	(X)
Families with female householder, no husband present	35.1%	(X)
With related children under 18 years	56.7%	(X)
With related children under 5 years only	25.0%	(X)
All people	16.8%	(X)
Under 18 years	19.4%	(X)
Related children under 18 years	19.5%	(X)
Related children under 5 years	13.1%	(X)
Related children 5 to 17 years	22.0%	(X)
18 years and over	16.1%	(X)
18 to 64 years	15.8%	(X)
65 years and over	17.1%	(X)
People in families	11.8%	(X)
Unrelated individuals 15 years and over	36.8%	(X)

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2005-2009 American Community Survey

The Eastern Plains region of New Mexico includes Curry, Guadalupe, De Baca, Quay, and Roosevelt Counties. Total population of the region is 80,137, of which 58% is in the 18-64 working age group.

57% is White, non-Hispanic, while the Hispanic population comprises an additional 35%. 65% has a commute time of under 15 minutes, while and additional 29% has a commute of under 30 minutes.

A recent study conducted by Covell Consultants of Albuquerque determined there were 259 workers immediately available within Quay County.

Higher educational institutions within the area include Mesalands Community College, Clovis Community College, and Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. Mesalands Community College is especially equipped to provide customized training to any industry considering locating in the community.

The following economic statistics on Quay County are excerpted from American Fact Finder, US Census Bureau 2005-2009 American Community Survey 5- year estimates.

Geographic Area: Quay County, New Mexico

Tucumcari provides strategic access to major markets in New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado. Tucumcari is located on Interstate 40, linking us to Los Angeles on the west and New York and Chicago on the east. Amarillo is a quick 110 miles to the East and Albuquerque, New Mexico’s Largest City, is just 165 miles to the West.

Tucumcari’s regional airport is located on a major east/west flight path and is capable of accommodating private small to medium sized aircraft. The airport is a full service airport with a main runway length of 7,102 feet.

Tucumcari is also along a major route of Union Pacific Railroad, carrying significant freight traffic from Kansas City to El Paso.

Tucumcari has several sites and buildings available for projects as well as Build to Suit options.  Greater Tucumcari’s Economic Development Corporation, the City of Tucumcari, and Quay County are committed to provide robust infrastructure options not always available in other areas. Tucumcari’s water reserves are plentiful and are available at attractive rates. Electric service is provided by Xcel Energy and rates are extremely competitive at 5.4 cents per kwh. Gas service is provided by PNM. All city services are available at the industrial park.

LOCAL INCENTIVES

The Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation, as advisor to the city on local gross receipts tax economic development fund, would consider capital requests for “bricks and mortar” costs as follows:

1. GTEDC and the City of Tucumcari could provide capital investment towards  construction of a facility on industrial park property, or of capital equipment purchases.  This investment would be contingent upon the GTEDC receiving a letter of commitment on the part of Prospect to locate in Tucumcari, NM, completion of a Project Participation Agreement, and hiring a major percentage of personnel from our local labor pool.  The City of Tucumcari is allowed to invest up to 10% of the General fund as allowed under the Local Economic Development Act.

2. Additionally, the City of Tucumcari and the County of Quay would consider supporting the issue of industrial revenue bonds to finance the project. The project would qualify as eligible projects include headquarters buildings, warehouses and manufacturing plants.  The project could potentially be exempt for up to 30 years from gross receipts taxes on tangible property and equipment and from property taxes on land, buildings, and equipment.

Companies may take a credit equal to ten percent of the combined value of salaries and benefits for each new job paying a minimum of $28,0000 per year in areas with populations less than 40,000 persons; companies located in larger areas must pay salaries of $40,000 to receive the credit.  Qualified employers may take the credit for up to four years and any excess credit will be refunded to the business.  The credit shall not exceed $12,000 per year, per job. The credit is applied against the businesses tax liability, including the state portion of gross receipts tax, compensating tax and withholding tax.

Manufacturer's Investment Tax Credit

Manufacturers may take a tax credit of five percent of the value of qualified equipment and other property used in their operation. The credit can be applied against compensating, gross receipts or withholding tax up to 85% of the total.  Any remaining available credit may be claimed in subsequent reporting periods.  In addition, the company must add one new job for each credit up to $30 million; and one new employee must be hired for each $500,000 in equipment. 

New Markets Tax Credit

This is an investment tax credit which varies based on the cost of the project.  For example:  If a business invests $1,000,000 into a low-income area of New Mexico, the business can apply for a tax credit totaling $390,000 which would be disbursed over the course of seven years. The business must remain invested in the project for a minimum of seven years to earn the tax credit.

Rural Jobs Tax Credit

Eligible employers must be located in a rural area and be approved for the JTIP program.  Employers receive a credit of 6.25% of the first $16,000 in wages.  If the job is located in a Tier 1 community (< 15,000 in population), the employer may take the credit for four consecutive years.  Businesses located in a Tier 2 community (> 15,000 in population) may take the credit for two consecutive years. If the amount of credit exceeds the businesses tax liability, the excess may be carried forward for up to three years.  Rural New Mexico is defined as any part of the state other than Los Alamos, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces and Santa Fe – and a 10 mile zone around municipalities.  

Technology Jobs Tax Credit

Businesses may take a credit on research expenditures of 4% (8% in rural areas).  Qualified expenditures may include land, buildings, equipment, computer software and upgrades, consultants, technical literature, test materials, patents, payroll, and labor. The credit may be taken against gross receipts tax, compensating tax or state payroll tax, and may be carried forward.  An additional 4% may be applied against state income tax if base payroll expenses will be increased by at least $75,000 per $1,000,000 of expenditures claimed. 

Angel Investment Tax Credit

A taxpayer who files a New Mexico income tax return and who is a “qualified investor” may take a tax credit of up to $25,000 (25% of a qualified investment of not more than $100,000).

CLEAN AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

Advanced energy facilities, such as solar thermal electric generating, advanced technology coal generating or recycled energy, may qualify for up to $60 million in credits. The credit is equal to 6 percent of facility development and construction expenditures.

Alternative Energy Product Manufacturers Tax Credit

Manufacturers of electric or hybrid vehicles, fuel cell systems, renewable energy systems, IGCC systems, and carbon sequestration equipment may receive for a tax credit of up to 5 percent of the their capital expenses. The credit may be applied against gross receipts, compensating, or withholding tax and may be carried forward for up to 5 years.

Biodiesel Blending Facility Tax Credit

A business which installs biodiesel blending equipment owned by the rack operator for the purpose of establishing or expanding a facility to produce blended biodiesel fuel is eligible to claim a credit against gross receipts tax and compensating tax.. The credit is equal to 30% of the purchase cost of the equipment and the cost of installing that equipment. The credit cannot exceed $50,000 with respect to equipment installed at any one facility nor can the claims exceed $1,000,000 per calendar year.

Blended Biodiesel Fuel Tax Credit

Provides a tax credit on blended biodiesel fuels (minimum of 2 percent biodiesel). Gross receipts and compensating tax may be deducted for installing biodiesel blending infrastructure up to $50,000 per facility or $1 million per year.

Hybrid Vehicle Tax Exemption

Purchasers of hybrid gasoline-electric vehicles with an EPA fuel economy rating of 27.5 miles per gallon or better can save between $600 and $1,000 in-state tax savings in addition to the federal tax deduction.

Renewable Energy Production Tax Credit

Each renewable energy generator of one megawatt or more may earn an income tax credit (personal or corporate) of 2.7 cents (on average) per kilowatt-hour for the first four hundred thousand megawatt-hours (=400,000,000 kilowatts) of electricity produced for ten consecutive years, beginning with the first year of production. New Mexico’s is fully refundable. 

Solar Energy Systems Gross Receipts Tax Exemption

Power produced from solar electric and solar thermal energy systems is exempt from gross receipts tax when the generated power is used on-site. 

Solar Market Development Income Tax Credit

Augments the federal solar tax credit by reimbursing up to 30 percent of the cost of a solar photovoltaic or solar thermal system. Solar system owners can receive up to $2,000 federal solar tax credits and up to $9,000 in state solar tax credits.

Sustainable Building Tax Credit

This credit provides income tax credits for building energy-efficient, sustainable commercial, institutional and residential buildings. Homes must be 40 percent more energy efficient than the standard building code. Commercial and institutional buildings must be 50 percent more energy efficient. 

TECHNOLOGY AND MANUFACTURING

R&D services exported from the state are deductible from the gross receipts tax.

Research & Development Small Business Tax Credit

Qualified small businesses receive a tax credit equal to the sum of all gross receipts, compensating and withholding taxes due if at least 20% of their total annual expenses are for R&D.

Rural Software and Web Site Gross Receipts Tax Deduction

Receipts from software and web development services located in rural New Mexico are deductible from the gross receipts tax.

Technology Jobs Tax Credit

Tax credits up to 8% of expenditures (including payroll) available for research and development in urban areas, doubling to 16% in rural communities. 

TELEMARKETING

Receipts from WATS (Wide Area Telephone Service) and private communications services are exempted from gross receipts tax and interstate telecommunications gross receipts tax act.

PRESIDENT :                        Corby Mckey                  First national Bank of NM     

VICE PRESIDENT:               Richard Primrose          County Manager, Quay County

SECRETARY/TREASURE    Leo Thrasher                 Citizens Bank

BOARD MEMBERS

Bobby Rose                                  City Manager,City of Tucumcari

Ben White                                      Wells Fargo Bank

David Hale                                     Tucumcari Federal Savings and Loan Association

Rex Kirksey                                    New Mexico State University Agricultural Science Center

Phillip Box                                      Box insurance Agency

Franklin McCasland                    Mountain Road RV Park

Nancy English                              English Law Firm

David Essex                                 Xcel Energy

Jim Witcher                                  Mayor, City of Tucumcari

Tucumcari is open for business.  The partnership between the City of Tucumcari, Quay County, the Chamber of Commerce, Mesalands Community College, local businesses and the Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation is focusing on ensuring the retention and expansion of business growth in the area.

Tucumcari has a small town atmosphere with a small town quality of life, and is looking for companies wanting to relocate or expand in a more relaxed setting.

Tucumcari and the Quay County area are among "Hot Spots" in the nation for wind generated electricity so that this area will become a leader in reusable energy in New Mexico.

Farms, ranches, and forests--these are the loci of rural America. Rural America has numerous advantages.  It offers its own amenities--natural areas, outdoor recreation, broad vistas, peaceful sunsets, freedom from congestion, crime, commuting, pollution, change, diversity, and the conflicts of urban life.  It also offers lower land costs, building costs, housing prices, labor costs, security costs, and taxes.

Tucumcari offers many of the advantages of large cities.  Two museums, Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and Tucumcari Historical Museum, and a modern hospital, Dan C Trigg Memorial Hospital, administered by Presbyterian Health Care.  The Quay County Arts and Humanities organization offers symphony, dance, and theatrical plays throughout the year.  Excellent educational opportunities include upcoming completion of phase one of the new High school,  and Mesalands Community College offering 2-year and 4-year degrees.

Tucumcari lies in the middle of some of the best outdoor recreational amenities in the State of New Mexico.  Outdoor recreation opportunities are enhanced by the area's climate, which averages 60⁰ for the annual average and ranges from 48⁰ in the winter to the high 80's for the summer.  Both the outdoor recreation and climate aspects enhance Tucumcari's potential as a major tourist center.

New Mexico Tourism Calendar of Events

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Other tourism activities New Mexico has to offer.

	Diving the Blue Hole: You wouldn't expect New Mexico, landlocked and dry, to be a scuba diver's dream. But in Santa Rosa, an unassuming small town 114 miles east of Albuquerque on I-40, you can dive year-round in the clear blue waters of a spring-fed well billed as "the scuba capital of the Southwest." View more
	Outdoor Ice-Skating Long before indoor rinks made ice skating a year-round activity, the sport was a seasonal one and the venues were natural. While most of northern New Mexico's outdoor skating ponds have fallen into disuse, there remain three noteworthy spots where skaters can enjoy the brisk winter air and inspiring mountain and forest scenery as they glide and swirl the old-fashioned way-outdoors. View more
	Sky-Watching With its clear skies, thin high-altitude air, and absence of light pollution, New Mexico is one of the finest spots in the world for scrutinizing the sky. Native Americans here have revered Father Sky for centuries, and today's visitors can join the action at a pair of star-gazing bed-and-breakfast inns or on a private sky tour. View more

The City of Tucumcari currently has at it’s fingertips the Tucumcari Industrial Park. The land encompasses 145 acres of undisrupted land northwest of the central business district. The industrial park is tied in to all city utilities .Electric is Provided by Xcel Energy, and Natural Gas Provided by New Mexico Gas Company. The location has four city wells, one lift station on site, connectivity to all city utilities, and rail access (with improvements). It is zoned Commercial and is designated as a federal enterprise zone.

Citizen's Bank

211 E Main St, (505) 461-1261              

Everyone's Federal Credit Union 

505 E Rt 66, (505) 461-0433

Farm Credit of New Mexico 

323 S Second St, (505) 461-3020

First National Bank of New Mexico 

101 E Rt 66, (505) 461-1100

Tucumcari Federal Savings and Loan 

301 S First St, (505) 461-0191

Wells Fargo Bank 

302 S First St, (505) 461-3602

City of Tucumcari

Convention Center

Tucumcari/Quay County Chamber of Commerce

New Mexico Economic Development Department

New Mexico State Links           

Quay County Government

New Mexico Partnership

New Beginnings Real Estate

309 E Tucumcari Blvd, (505) 461-3007

New Mexico Property Group

615 W Rt 66, (505) 461-4426

United Country Mesa Real Estate

2105 Hwy 540 Loop, Logan, NM 88426, (505) 487-2910

Trousdale Real Estate

706 S. 1st St., (505) 461-0021

Tucumcari’s major banks and financial institutions currently have assets in excess of $650 Million and are all solidly managed. Serving both commercial and individual customers with a broad portfolio of services and loan packages, they participate fully in economic and community development activities in the community.

In addition to traditional banking resources, Tucumcari is blessed with access to economic development resources through the New Mexico Economic Development Department including job training funds and debt financing. Programs include federal loans and grants through SBA and USDA and the Smart Money program administered by the New Mexico Finance Authority. Micro lenders include Accion and Wesstcorp. Equity financing is available through New Mexico Angels, the State Investment Council, New Mexico Community Capital, Coronado Ventures Forum, Mesa Venture, and Flywheel Ventures.

Community Financing is available through the use of Industrial Revenue Bonds and the Community Development Incentive Act as well as the Local Economic Development Act, which allows the city to participate in economic development projects as identified in its local economic development plan.

Citizen's Bank, 211 E Main St, (505) 461-1261              

Everyone's Federal Credit Union, 505 E Rt 66, (505) 461-0433

Farm Credit of New Mexico, 323 S Second St, (505) 461-3020

First National Bank of New Mexico, 101 E Rt 66, (505) 461-1100

Tucumcari Federal Savings and Loan, 301 S First St, (505) 461-0191

Wells Fargo Bank, 302 S First St, (505) 461-3602

Housing in Tucumcari is very affordable. Housing costs in Tucumcari are, according to the US Census Bureau, 41% of the national median. The median home price in Tucumcari is $49,800 compared to the state median home value of $108,100, new home construction is light but steady.

The Greater Tucumcari Economic Development Corporation is committed to addressing worker housing concerns in Tucumcari, and has recently participated in a joint venture with Mesalands Community College Trades Program to train construction trades workers and build entry level homes for workers. Private investors are exploring new construction opportunities, and local financial institutions are providing solid financial terms.

Tucumcari’s major banks and financial institutions currently have assets in excess of $650 Million and are all solidly managed. Serving both commercial and individual customers with a broad portfolio of services and loan packages, they participate fully in economic and community development activities in the community.

In addition to traditional banking resources, Tucumcari is blessed with access to economic development resources through the New Mexico Economic Development Department including job training funds and debt financing. Programs include federal loans and grants through SBA and USDA and the Smart Money program administered by the New Mexico Finance Authority. Micro lenders include Accion and Wesstcorp. Equity financing is available through New Mexico Angels, the State Investment Council, New Mexico Community Capital, Coronado Ventures Forum, Mesa Venture, and Flywheel Ventures.

Community Financing is available through the use of Industrial Revenue Bonds and the Community Development Incentive Act as well as the Local Economic Development Act, which allows the city to participate in economic development projects as identified in its local economic development plan.

Citizen's Bank, 211 E Main St, (505) 461-1261              

Everyone's Federal Credit Union, 505 E Rt 66, (505) 461-0433

Farm Credit of New Mexico, 323 S Second St, (505) 461-3020

First National Bank of New Mexico, 101 E Rt 66, (505) 461-1100

Tucumcari Federal Savings and Loan, 301 S First St, (505) 461-0191

Wells Fargo Bank, 302 S First St, (505) 461-3602

Located on historic Route 66, Tucumcari boasts both a strategic location with access to major markets in New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado, and transportation services including ground, rail, and air. Tucumcari is served by Interstate 40 and US 54 and handles approximately 20,000 vehicles per day. Amenities include two full service truck stops (Love’s and Flying J), numerous restaurants from fast food to full service, and over 1,200 rooms for economy travelers and corporate travelers alike.

Union Pacific Railway serves Tucumcari with a major trunk line from Kansas City to El Paso. Approximately 55 trains pass through Tucumcari daily, carrying east/west freight.

The City of Tucumcari operates a full service airport with a 7,102 foot main runway, capable of handling small to medium duty aircraft. It is located on a major east/west flight path. Commercial service is available one hour and 20 minutes away in Amarillo, Texas.

Quality education is a point of pride in Tucumcari and Quay County. Tucumcari Public Schools has adopted “Excellence in Education” as its motto, and most recently has completed phase 1, of a new High School building campaign. The project, designed by Greer Stafford SJCF Architecture firm from Albuquerque is estimated to cost $21 million and will be completed in three phases.  Construction completion is scheduled for October 2011.

Mesalands Community College provides courses designed to give aspiring students pre-collegiate skills, training for technical careers, ability to aquire an associates degrees, and courses for those preparing to transfer to a four-year institution. As a small college, Mesalands provides personal attention and a caring atmosphere that is difficult to find elsewhere. Small classes and a caring faculty create a learning environment designed to make students successful.

Mesalands Community College provides employers the ability to customize programs to meet their needs. Recent programs include the Building Trades Program, Commercial Truck Driving Program, Farrier Program, Fine Arts Bronze and Metal Working Program, Livestock Judging, and Rodeo.

Of particular note are the Paleontology Program in conjunction with the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum and the North American Wind Research and Training Center, both world class programs with world class resources.