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.