REQUESTING THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION TO DESIGNATE UNITED STATES HIGHWAY 54 AND INTERSTATE 25 AS HIGH PRIORITY CORRIDORS.

WHEREAS, the North American Free Trade Agreement has resulted in an explosion of commerce between Canada, Mexico and the United States; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico stands to benefit significantly if adequate infrastructure is in place to support additional commerce; and

WHEREAS, transportation facilities, especially adequate highways, are critical to the state's ability to exploit new trade opportunities; and

WHEREAS, New Mexico is a direct trade link between north central Mexico manufacturing centers and the western American and Canadian markets such as Denver and Calgary; and

WHEREAS, the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 provides for the designation of high priority corridors that mean additional federal dollars to support highway improvements; and

WHEREAS, United States highway 54 and interstate 25 have been designated high priority corridors in Texas but have not yet received that designation in the state of New Mexico;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the United States department of transportation be requested to designate United States highway 54 and interstate 25 in New Mexico and all the way to the Canadian border as high priority corridors; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of the United States department of transportation and to the New Mexico congressional delegation.