HOUSE MEMORIAL 29

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Nathan P. Small and Sarah Maestas Barnes

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING AND SUPPORTING CONTINUED EFFORTS FOR NEW MEXICO COMPLETE STREETS.

     WHEREAS, the United States department of transportation identifies complete streets as streets designed and operated to enable safe use and mobility for all users, including people of all ages and abilities, regardless of whether they are traveling as drivers, pedestrians or bicyclists or riding on public transportation; and

     WHEREAS, complete streets designs can encourage drivers to drive their vehicles at slower speeds and prevent dangerous conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists and motorized vehicles without the need for additional law enforcement; and

     WHEREAS, multiple studies by the national complete streets coalition demonstrate that implementation of complete streets stimulates local economies by raising surrounding property values, spurring private investment and reducing transportation costs for users; and

     WHEREAS, the American public health association has stated that motor-vehicle related fatalities and injuries, whether impacting drivers, passengers, pedestrians or cyclists, cause an estimated one hundred eighty billion dollars ($180,000,000,000) in both property damage and health impacts; and

     WHEREAS, the American association of retired persons public policy institute has officially endorsed the planning concept of complete streets and encourages local, regional and state planning agencies to change policies and procedures so that multimodal accommodations are a routine part of project development; and

     WHEREAS, the United States office of the surgeon general promotes walking and walkable communities by improving access to safe and convenient places to walk, noting that one out of every two United States adults is living with a chronic disease, such as heart disease, cancer or diabetes; and

     WHEREAS, the United States office of the surgeon general further cites that street design can support walking and enhance pedestrian safety; and

     WHEREAS, transportation and travel policies and practices that create or enhance pedestrian and bicycle networks and expand or subsidize public transit systems can be another approach to encouraging walking for transportation; and

     WHEREAS, other studies demonstrate how street trees, as an integral part of complete streets, remove substantial volumes of carbon dioxide and other air pollutants, catch significant amounts of storm water, reduce urban heat-island effects and create safer and more sociable neighborhoods, which contributes to a sense of community, economic viability, environmental sustainability and healthier people; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico senate officially declared February 11, 2014 "New Mexico Complete Streets Day"; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico complete streets leadership team consists of more than sixty members statewide with a diversity of technical expertise who diligently advance policies, practices and projects supporting the safety and mobility of all users of public streets and roadways; and

     WHEREAS, multiple complete streets policies, resolutions and ordinances have been passed throughout the state, and the cities of Las Cruces, Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Farmington have taken steps to integrate complete streets into their planning and regulatory framework through transportation policies and design standards; and

     WHEREAS, tribal communities in New Mexico have begun to implement complete streets projects, such as the Pueblo of Laguna's roundabout with bicycle and pedestrian safety features, constructed through a partnership with the New Mexico department of transportation; and

     WHEREAS, many other New Mexico organizations are instrumental in contributing to complete streets planning; and

     WHEREAS, in its 2040 long-range transportation plan, the New Mexico department of transportation identified the goal to adopt transportation safety policies related to complete streets, pedestrian design and access management; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico department of transportation's vision and its mission align with complete streets principles, policies and guidelines; and

     WHEREAS, complete streets supports the New Mexico department of transportation's transition planning requirements in the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and public right-of-way accessibility guidelines; and

     WHEREAS, federal agencies and the president of the United States issued a call to action to determine why the nation lost thirty-five thousand ninety-two people in traffic crashes in 2015, a seven and two-tenths percent increase in deaths from 2014; and

     WHEREAS, national statistics show that in 2014, New Mexico had the highest rate of pedestrian deaths in the United States; and

     WHEREAS, by 2030, it is estimated that New Mexico will be fourth in the nation with a percentage of people older than sixty-five, and complete streets planning provides an opportunity to increase the safety and availability of older adults' travel options;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that it recognize and congratulate the leadership and accomplishments of local and tribal governments, agencies and team members that are committed to the safety of all users of roadways in promoting and implementing complete streets throughout New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that complete streets be recognized for its understanding that transportation is about moving people and connecting, supporting and building vibrant communities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the team members of New Mexico complete streets; the secretary of transportation; the secretary of health; members of the state transportation commission; the tribal liaison for the New Mexico department of transportation; the division administrator of the New Mexico division of the federal highway administration; the secretary of energy, minerals and natural resources; the secretary of economic development; and the chair of the governor's commission on disability.

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