SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 2

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

Carlos R. Cisneros and Rodolopho “Rudy” S. Martinez

FOR THE ECONOMIC AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO CONVENE A WORKING GROUP TO IDENTIFY THE CHALLENGES UNIQUE TO FRONTIER COMMUNITIES AND TO PROPOSE LEGISLATIVE ACTION TO FACILITATE INVESTMENT IN THOSE COMMUNITIES.

     WHEREAS, frontier communities are the remote and geographically isolated settlements and villages that over centuries evolved into the land of enchantment and still today represent a majority of the state's landmass; and

     WHEREAS, frontier communities face unique economic and social challenges, many of which need assistance from federal, state or local government to be overcome; and

     WHEREAS, many frontier communities in New Mexico are unincorporated and face exceptional barriers to eligibility for public resources; and

     WHEREAS, in frontier communities, a lack of capacity, which includes a lack of access to qualified grant writers and data, impedes local initiatives, and the provision of critical public services through volunteers is unsustainable; and

     WHEREAS, the provision of public services and infrastructure, including acequias, mutual domestic water associations, firefighting, emergency medical services and rescue, is complex and requires skilled, long-term and financially compensated leaders, which many frontier communities cannot provide on their own; and

     WHEREAS, creative problem-solving supported by innovative legislative action is needed to preserve and protect

the smallest communities in the state and to develop necessary infrastructure, services and amenities; and

     WHEREAS, there is a need to identify best practices for ensuring that the frontier areas of New Mexico survive and thrive into the future;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the economic development department, in coordination with the southwest New Mexico-based national center for frontier communities, be requested to convene a working group to identify innovative ways to direct investment and reinvestment of state resources into frontier communities for the development of infrastructure, community and essential services; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group be composed of development experts and interested parties from throughout the state, including representatives of the New Mexico municipal league; the New Mexico association of counties; colonias; tribal governments and inter-tribal organizations; relevant state agencies; the legislature; the governor's office; private foundations; community organizations; colleges and universities; and members of the public; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group review existing law to determine if it facilitates equitable investment in frontier communities and, if it is determined that new legislation is needed, develop recommendations for legislative action; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group hold several public stakeholder meetings around the state to identify the essential needs of the smallest and most isolated frontier communities and to receive input on legislative solutions that address frontier community needs; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group report its findings and legislative recommendations to the appropriate interim legislative committee by November 2018; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of economic development and the director of the national center for frontier communities.

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