As Gov. Bill Richardson walked into the civic center Friday morning, he declared Moriarty the capital of wind energy. He knows Torrance County has the potential for multiple wind renewable energy projects, but said he was blown away; literally; by the wind on his way to the city.

The governor made trips around the state to discuss the stimulus package and to make sure every county's needs are heard. Richardson asked county and municipal officials for their top priorities in needs for education, health care, water and wastewater, renewable energy, fire protection and law enforcement.

He outlined $6,154,256 in funding already allocated to Torrance County, including $72,000 for a passenger van for the county, $6 million to EMW Gas Association in Estancia, a $22,056 justice assistance grant for county law enforcement, and increases in Estancia and Moriarty-Edgewood school districts; Title I and Individuals with Disabilities Act funding.

Richardson also outlined potential projects that could be funded with stimulus monies. Applications to the state Environment Department included water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades to Moriarty, Estancia, Mountainair, Willard and the county. He gave local government representatives the chance to pitch their top priority.

Moriarty Mayor Adan Encinias said the city's is improvements to water and wastewater, but he also urged the recruitment of potential clients to fill the closed call center.

"We've got close to 500 people ready to jump in and work," Encinias said. "Two to three hundred people were laid off and are running out of unemployment benefits."

County Manager Joy Ansley said economic development was the county's top priority. This means making the property the county has north of Interstate 40 ready for new businesses to come in. The area needs water and wastewater infrastructure, she said.

The sheriff's department's biggest needs are improved in-unit communications systems, more officers and more equipment, Undersheriff Heath White said.

Moriarty Fire Chief Dave Cohen said his department is in great need of an Electrocardiograph or EKG machine.

Karen Alarid of Willard said she'll be sending a letter to the governor to ask for help operating the fire department. The village purchased a pumper but now has $15,000 for next fiscal year's operating expenses, which is not enough, she said. Willard's post office is in danger of closing, Alarid said, and asked for the state's help.

Estancia Mayor Ted Barela requested GRIP funding from the state Department of Transportation for improvements to Alan Ayers Road, the road that goes to the prison. He said the town does need water and wastewater improvements but said the biggest help would be funding for revitalization of the town's main street.

Richardson stayed for about 45 minutes but made sure everyone was heard. He suggested filing letters to his office detailing the needs and staying in contact with local government representatives.

"You have a great asset in (former) Gov. (Toney) Anaya," Richardson said. "You've got the top guy from Torrance County. But you also have good representatives that are very helpful."

State Rep. Rhonda King D-Stanley and Sen. Pete Campos D-Las Vegas attended the meeting. Campos suggested pulling the needs together, organizing them into categories, and prioritizing them so Torrance County can come out successfully in gaining stimulus funding.

The discussion wasn't all business. Moriarty city Councilor Bobby Ortiz invited the governor to the RFD-TV rodeos and events last weekend and Moriarty-Edgewood School District Superintendent Karen Couch invited him to the May 28 groundbreaking of the new performing arts center in Moriarty.