46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE TO REINSTATE THE RURAL BORDER PATROL OPERATIONS TRAINING PROGRAM AT NEW MEXICO INSTITUTE OF MINING AND TECHNOLOGY.

WHEREAS, the antiterrorism assistance training program of the United States department of state established a rural border patrol operations training program at New Mexico institute of mining and technology in 1998, and almost fifty classes have been conducted at the institute since then; and

WHEREAS, funding for the program at New Mexico institute of mining and technology has declined from about one million seven hundred thousand dollars ($1,700,000) in fiscal year 2001 to nine hundred thousand dollars ($900,000) in fiscal year 2003; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the impact on New Mexico institute of mining and technology and the community of Socorro, the loss of the best resources available for training to foreign allies will hamper the security of these countries and the frontline defense of the United States; and

WHEREAS, the principal reason for the relocation of the rural border patrol operations training program was the perceived economic benefit of consolidating training elsewhere, but the potential for greater savings exists if consolidation occurs at New Mexico institute of mining and technology; and

WHEREAS, economies of scale available at the institute's facilities will help realize actual cost savings and permit full utilization of existing high-quality training facilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the United States department of state be requested to reverse the decision to relocate the rural border patrol operations training program, to reestablish the hostage negotiation training at New Mexico institute of mining and technology, increase the antiterrorist bomb training course at the institute and relocate the antiterrorist assistance representative to Socorro; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the United States secretary of state and to the New Mexico congressional delegation.