A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT IN COOPERATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO CONDUCT A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF INSTALLING PEDESTRIAN BARRIERS ON THE RIO GRANDE GORGE BRIDGE.

WHEREAS, deaths resulting from suicide attempts or accidental falls from the Rio Grande Gorge bridge in Taos county have increased in recent years; and

WHEREAS, the cost of rescue efforts and the danger to emergency responders has increased commensurately with such incidents; and

WHEREAS, the Rio Grande Gorge bridge has become a significant tourist attraction, and the increasing traffic on the bridge also contributes to higher risks for visitors and public safety personnel;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the state highway and transportation department be requested to conduct a feasibility study in cooperation with the department of public safety for the construction or installation of pedestrian barriers and safety-enhancing improvements to the Rio Grande Gorge bridge on United States highway 64 in Taos county; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial

be transmitted to the secretary of highway and

transportation.