Civil Municipal Magazine - Dec 2023

121 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 12 The city’s allure extends beyond its commercial vibrancy. It offers diverse outdoor activities and a revitalized historic downtown area, making it an ideal destination for those seeking adventure and a slice of history. Geographically blessed, Farmington sits at the confluence of the San Juan, Animas, and La Plata rivers. This location historically fostered its development as a farming community and a distribution hub for the surrounding areas. Today, it serves as a gateway for exploring the Four Corners region’s picturesque landscapes and cultural treasures, with attractions like the Bisti Badlands beckoning explorers and enthusiasts alike. He notes a significant shift in the mid-20th century with the discovery of oil and gas, marking a pivot from agriculture to energy. The San Juan Basin is a prolific natural gas basin, ensuring the city’s role in energy production for years to come. Alicia Corbell, Dean of the School of Energy at San Juan College, emphasizes New Mexico’s standing as the second-largest oil and gas producer in the CI T Y OF FARMINGTON, NEW ME X ICO