Las Cruces approves funding for downtown shading, kiosks

Las Cruces officials have approved funding to install temporary shading, electronic information kiosks and a welcome sign in the southern New Mexico city.

The Las Cruces Sun-News reports the city council on Tuesday approved $750,000 to spend on projects aimed at boosting the city’s economic development.

The projects include enhancements to the Plaza de Las Cruces, a large welcome sign near the junction of Interstate 25 and Interstate 10 and improvements to the city’s airport.

City officials say they have been looking at options, including umbrella-like structures, to provide shading at the downtown plaza.

Officials say the city is also considering placing informational kiosks with touch screens at the plaza and near a development under construction at the south end of the downtown.