Gov. Bill Richardson ordered a freeze on capital outlay projects with the goal of realizing as much as $150 million in savings.

The freeze will apply to projects initiated by the Legislature and the governor.

"I am taking this bold action since the Legislature chose not to cut even one dime of its pork projects," Richardson said. "These pork projects should be the first to be cut before we take any action that affects people."

The freeze could derail some projects in Sandoval County and Rio Rancho.

City Manager James Jimenez told City Council last Wednesday that the city could lose a little over a million dollars on five projects. Projects that have already begun are not affected.

Projects with state funding in jeopardy include $397,007.50 for the New Mexico Military History Museum; $390,700 for the Boys & Girls Club; $150,000 for City Center lighting purchases; $50,000 for the construction of a performing arts center; and $20,000 for the Veterans’ Memorial Park monument walls.

As of press time, county spokesman Gayland Bryant said the county has not been told what projects could be affected.

Bryant said the county received an e-mail last Tuesday from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration that the department would send out information to local governments as it becomes available.

The governor has directed state agencies to cancel all grant agreements for capital outlay. Only those projects that already have third-party agreements will be honored as of Oct. 23.

The freeze on capital outlay projects will remain in place through the next legislative session in January, when the issue can be revisited.

State Senator John Sapien (D-Corrales) sees the governor’s action as a way to garner publicity.

"I really believe it is all for PR (public relations)," he said. "If he chooses to stop projects that were ready to break ground tomorrow then it’s hurting the economy. Other than PR, what is he accomplishing?"

Sapien said Sandoval County has done a good job using capital outlay money quickly.

"Each entity in my district has done a good job of having their contracts move forward in terms of getting money spent," he said.