A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE SECRETARY OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TO SUPPORT SHARED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT FACILITIES THROUGH THE SHARED FACILITIES ALLIANCE.

WHEREAS, access to laboratories, workshops, fabrication areas and other facilities is often a key component in development of new technologies and new solutions to existing problems; and

WHEREAS, various United States federal and state agencies are implementing shared facility plans; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico is in a position to combine entrepreneurial activity with existing facilities at two-year schools, four-year universities and private and national laboratories; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico has been a leader in development of technological solutions to complex problems, and New Mexico's existing and planned facilities offer a way to use existing resources in a way that will benefit both resource owners, entrepreneurs and existing New Mexico businesses to produce innovative technology, create jobs, increase its research base and contribute solutions to national energy, health and security needs; and

WHEREAS, the economic development department has initiated development of a statewide plan for the shared facilities alliance that will enhance existing efforts and encourage new efforts in research and development, especially in the areas of biotechnology, micro and nanotechnology, clean industries and other entrepreneurial activities that will leverage existing state resources and develop the economy through job creation and job training;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that, during the 2005 legislative interim, the secretary of economic development be requested to appear before the appropriate interim committee and report on the economic development department's plan for the shared facilities alliance in New Mexico, as well as on any suggested legislation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of economic development and to the governor.