Bernalillo County voters approved a $70-million bond issue which will allow Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) to perform upgrades and renovations to multiple buildings among the school�s five locations.

Unofficial results show 65% approval for the bond, which supporters said would not raise any existing taxes (though property taxes would have fallen slightly had the measure failed.)

The largest allotment�$16 million�will help fund renovations of Jeanette Stromberg Hall on CNM�s main campus in Albuquerque to add facilities for the nursing and allied health programs. High-tech labs and simulated hospital environments will help prepare CNM students for the demands of working in the health care industry.

Other funded projects as a result of the bond include the renovation of outdated chemistry and biology labs at the main campus, energy conservation updates to mechanical and technology systems at all five campuses, renovation of two South Valley Campus buildings and the Montoya Campus�s J building to improve classroom and library space.