HOUSE MEMORIAL 51

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Ray Begaye

A MEMORIAL

URGING THE GOVERNOR TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY IN NORTHWESTERN NEW MEXICO WHERE SNOWSTORMS THREATEN SURVIVAL.

     WHEREAS, northwestern New Mexico has been devastated by at least three snowstorms, one after another, in recent weeks; and

     WHEREAS, in some places on the Navajo Nation, snow is at a depth of four feet; and

     WHEREAS, such deep snow, especially when layered upon sheets of ice, is treacherous not only because it is difficult to walk through but also because it can cause disorientation; and

     WHEREAS, such deep snow forces isolation on people who live in remote corners of the Navajo Nation as well as those who may live closer to roads; and

     WHEREAS, residents isolated by the snow are likely to have inadequate food and water supplies; and

     WHEREAS, these isolated New Mexicans may be unable to survive another storm or weather the long period when roads remain impassable as the snow melts; and

     WHEREAS, even the livestock of people isolated by the storms may be unable to find food and water under snow so deep it is up to their bellies;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor be urged to declare an emergency immediately for areas in northwestern New Mexico where roads are impassable, animals cannot reach food and water and where residents are unable to get to sources of food, water and medical care; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the governor be requested to announce his funding decision as soon as possible so that persons snowed under may hear whether they will have to dig out from the snow without state government help; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the secretary of homeland security and emergency management.

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