Is the Lowrider Museum Dream in Española DOOMED? Governor's Shocking Veto Leaves Plans in Chaos!

A long-awaited initiative to establish a lowrider museum in Española, New Mexico, has encountered a significant roadblock. Last week, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham made headlines by line-item vetoing a crucial $500,000 appropriation intended for the second phase of the museum's feasibility study. This decision has left local lawmakers and lowrider enthusiasts reeling, particularly as it halts the momentum they had built over the years.

“It’s hard when you build momentum and build up the confidence of your constituents to let them know that we’re at a dead stop right now,” said Sen. Leo Jaramillo, a Democrat from Española. Despite this setback, Jaramillo and other supporters of the museum remain undeterred. They have expressed commitment to pushing for funding in the future. “I wish I knew the exact reason why this was line-item vetoed,” he added, emphasizing that the museum's opening would be a significant victory for both the community and the state of New Mexico.

A spokesperson for the state Department of Finance and Administration noted that while Lujan Grisham has previously supported the lowrider museum, the recent veto was primarily due to the funding source. The $500,000 was part of the Art in Public Places fund, which mandates that 1% of capital expenditures over $100,000 be allocated for public art projects. The governor pointed to legal restrictions that prevent these funds from being used for purposes outside of this mandate.

“The veto was about the conflict with the funding source, not the lowrider museum itself,” said Henry Valdez, the spokesperson for the DFA. “The governor vetoed other appropriations for the same reason.” This funding cut comes just a year after the governor rejected a bill to create a “lowrider capital of the world” license plate, among other cultural measures that she viewed as less critical than New Mexico's pressing issues.

In a recent social media post, Lujan Grisham did highlight the unveiling of the U.S. Postal Service’s lowrider forever stamps, celebrating the cultural significance of lowriders in New Mexico. “Love seeing the United States Postal Service celebrate the art, culture, and pride of New Mexico’s favorite ride with the Lowriders Forever stamp collection,” she wrote.

Community Resilience

Local legislators, such as Rep. Susan Herrera, have expressed disappointment regarding the veto but remain hopeful. “I think she could have done it, but you know what? It’s not going to go away,” she stated, asserting that future lawmakers will likely pursue the necessary funding. Herrera acknowledged that the appropriation had not made it into the budget before it reached the Senate Finance Committee, which was when the idea to utilize the art fund was introduced.

While she is not seeking reelection, Herrera emphasized the need for continued advocacy for the museum, noting that “big projects take a long time.” She expressed confidence in the support from Jaramillo and other community members, suggesting that the push for the museum will gain traction again. “It really is an economic development statement for the city of Española,” she declared, highlighting the potential for new businesses to thrive in the area surrounding the proposed museum.

Longtime lowrider enthusiast and local car owner Fred Rael has witnessed the evolution of this project firsthand. The lowrider museum concept gained momentum after an exhibit titled “Lowriders, Hoppers, and Hot Rods: Car Culture of Northern New Mexico” was showcased at the New Mexico History Museum in 2016. “It seems like that is what revitalized the entire lowrider culture of cruising, of car shows and wanting to do a museum in New Mexico,” Rael remarked.

Rael explained that local organizations initially collaborated with the city of Española, and the state Tourism Department even provided funding to help kickstart the project. However, momentum was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to further delays. “From there, it just kind of stalled out,” he lamented, though he remains optimistic about the future.

Despite the challenges, Jaramillo is resolute. “Although the money was vetoed this year, I’m going to have to come back next legislative session to pick up where we left off,” he stated. He expressed concern that the delay could lead to rising costs for the feasibility study but reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing this cultural project that holds significant meaning for the Española Valley.

As the community rallies to overcome this setback, the aspiration for a lowrider museum remains a potent symbol of pride and cultural identity for many in New Mexico. With persistent advocacy and renewed efforts, supporters believe this project will eventually become a reality, showcasing the unique heritage of lowriders and their impact on local culture.