46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

DIRECTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT AN APPROPRIATE INTERIM LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP NEW MEXICO'S TRANSPORTATION POLICY.

WHEREAS, sound transportation investments form the foundation of New Mexico's economic prosperity and improved social fabric; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico has special challenges in addressing transportation issues due to its extreme mix of topography with geographically dispersed population encompassing both rural and metropolitan areas; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's few current non-integrated transportation systems do not promote a desirable quality of life for many people in both rural and urban areas of the state and restrict the ability of rural and tribal areas to successfully develop economically or to gain access to required support facilities; and

WHEREAS, transportation system investments provide improved mobility of New Mexico's population and visitors while protecting and promoting the cultural and physical character of its communities and terrain; and

WHEREAS, investments in an integrated transportation system can create a system that responds to people's travel needs, is the connection required for achieving economic prosperity and competitive viability, attracts clean industry with quality jobs, develops an educated mobile workforce with access to training and needed services and fosters small businesses and high-tech development; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's transportation system should preserve the state's unique culture and its fragile environment as well as its highways; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico's current complex transportation system demands improved coordination and regional cooperation; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico must develop both intermodal and multimodal integrated transportation systems that are sensitive to community, regional and statewide needs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council direct an appropriate interim legislative committee to identify strengths and weaknesses of the current New Mexico transportation system and laws pertaining to transportation and determine how they can be structured and strengthened in such a way as to promote a desirable quality of life and maintain the vital cultural character of both rural and urban communities unique to New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Mexico legislative council direct the committee to determine how government actions on transportation issues can involve more public input and increased accountability; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the New Mexico legislative council direct the committee to develop a transportation policy that will improve the state's economic vitality and thereby the lives of all New Mexicans while providing for the preservation and promotion of the distinctive essence of New Mexico, its people, cultures and environments, and to educate the legislature on rural and urban transportation issues and needs; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the co-chairmen of the New Mexico legislative council.