45th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2002

DIRECTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT AN APPROPRIATE INTERIM LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP NEW MEXICO'S TRANSPORTATION POLICY.

WHEREAS, sound transportation investments form the backbone of New Mexico's economy and social fabric; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico has special challenges when it comes to addressing transportation issues because it has a geographically dispersed population that encompasses both metropolitan and remote rural areas; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's current transportation system adversely affects the quality of life for many people in both urban and rural areas of the state and restricts the ability of rural and tribal areas to economically develop and gain access to modern facilities; and

WHEREAS, transportation development can increase the mobility of the population of New Mexico and improve the quality of life and cultural character of New Mexico's communities; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's transportation system should provide for the people's travel needs, promote economic prosperity and enable them to gain access to good jobs, education, training and needed services; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's transportation system should preserve the state's unique culture and environment; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's current complex transportation system demands improved coordination and regional cooperation; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico must develop both intermodal and multimodal transportation systems that are sensitive to community needs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council direct an appropriate interim legislative committee to identify strengths and weaknesses of the current New Mexico transportation system and to determine how it can be strengthened in such a way as to maintain the quality of life and cultural character of both urban and rural communities unique to New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Mexico legislative council direct the committee to determine how government actions on transportation issues can involve more public input and increased accountability; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Mexico legislative council direct the committee to develop a transportation policy that will improve the lives of all New Mexicans while providing for the preservation of New Mexico's unique culture and environment and to educate the legislature on urban and rural transportation issues and needs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be sent to the co-chairs of the New Mexico legislative council.