HOUSE MEMORIAL 16

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Nathan "Nate" Cote

A MEMORIAL

PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 18, 2013 TO BE "CHAPARRAL DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, pursuant to 42 USC, Section 1479, colonias are communities within one hundred fifty miles of the United States-Mexico border that lack adequate infrastructure, including a potable water supply, adequate sewage systems and safe housing; and

     WHEREAS, tens of thousands of New Mexicans reside in colonias, nearly all of which are unincorporated communities without the benefit of municipal organization or political structure; and

     WHEREAS, Chaparral, an unincorporated census-designated place located in Dona Ana and Otero counties and situated next to White Sands missile range and Fort Bliss, is the largest colonia in New Mexico, with a population of fourteen thousand six hundred thirty-one as of the 2010 federal decennial census; and

     WHEREAS, approximately eighty-five percent of the residents of Chaparral are Hispanic or Latino, according to the 2010 federal decennial census; and

     WHEREAS, because of its large population, inadequate infrastructure and reliance on county governments for political support, Chaparral exemplifies the difficulties faced by New Mexico's colonias; and

     WHEREAS, despite the difficulties faced by Chaparral, it continues striving for excellence and celebrates the addition of educational opportunities in the Gadsden independent schools and Dona Ana community college;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Chaparral, New Mexico, be recognized for the difficulties it faces relating to infrastructure, political support and economic development; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in an effort to raise awareness about Chaparral and New Mexico's colonias, February 18, 2013 be proclaimed "Chaparral Day" in the house of representatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the boards of county commissioners of Dona Ana and Otero counties and to the colonias infrastructure board.