SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 38

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

John Pinto

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO STUDY WAYS TO MITIGATE FLOODING AND ACCESS INTERSTATE 40 IN THE EAST HASLER VALLEY CORRIDOR IN MCKINLEY COUNTY.

     WHEREAS, the primary means of access to highways for residents in Churchrock, White Cliffs and other communities and chapters near Superman canyon road in the east Hasler valley corridor in McKinley county has been declared unsafe and is regularly flooded; and

     WHEREAS, the department of transportation has both the means and the expertise to study both flooding and the best means of accessing interstate 40 for these communities; and

     WHEREAS, a study of best alternatives for crossing interstate 40 would benefit the communities and the state; and

     WHEREAS, a study encompassing best alternatives for crossing railroads, pipelines and the Rio Puerco arroyo is needed; and

     WHEREAS, a study with a particular focus on flood mitigation and prevention of future flooding for the current access could help both the communities and the state;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of transportation be requested to conduct a study of means to mitigate current flooding and prevent future flooding, the feasibility of varying access points for interstate 40 and development of road systems in the east Hasler valley corridor in McKinley county; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of transportation consult with the Army corps of engineers to study access and flooding in the area; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department report its findings to the McKinley county road superintendent and staff and the interim Indian affairs committee by September 1, 2006; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of transportation.

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