HOUSE JOINT MEMORIAL 8

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Joanne J. Ferrary and Tara L. Lujan and Sarah Silva

and John Block

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO ESTABLISH A REST STOP ON UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 380 AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE TRINITY SITE NEAR BINGHAM, NEW MEXICO.

     WHEREAS, July 16, 2025 marks the eightieth anniversary of the detonation of the first atomic weapon at the Trinity site near Bingham, New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the Trinity site remains a highly restricted area within the White Sands missile range; and

     WHEREAS, there is currently no plaque or other marker informing travelers in the area of the great historical significance of this site; and

     WHEREAS, the lives of many residents of Socorro and Otero counties were greatly impacted in the aftermath of the detonation at the site; and

     WHEREAS, those individuals impacted by the detonation at the site have become known as "downwinders" and have struggled to achieve recognition of their sacrifice in the development of the first atomic weapon, which ended World War II; and

     WHEREAS, the federal government has never formally recognized the contributions and sacrifices of the downwinders; and

     WHEREAS, there are fewer and fewer survivors of the detonation of the first atomic weapon, making it more urgent to acknowledge these contributions and sacrifices;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of transportation be requested to construct an appropriate rest stop and memorial to honor the downwinders at the entrance to the Trinity site near Bingham on United States highway 380 as soon as practicable; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of transportation be requested to install an appropriate roadside informational plaque at the memorial site in consultation with appropriate interested parties; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of transportation be requested to hold a dedication ceremony at the memorial site on July 16, 2025 to honor the downwinders and to extend an invitation to those individuals and families still living and known to be among the residents impacted by the detonation at the Trinity site so they may be recognized for their sacrifice and contributions; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the secretary of transportation and the Tularosa basin downwinders consortium.

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