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Headline News
for the week ending August 1, 2003

Bingaman pushes measure to protect Americans from government snooping

Pearce kicks off congressional update tour

GAO assessment bolsters argument for more training at FLETC-Artesia

BLM lifts fire restrictions in Southwest NM

Eclipse secures private equity funding for $87M

Dry Lake Fire Use Complex New Page Fact Sheet

Fire restrictions lifted from the Gila National Forest  

$33.1 million for college scholarships 

State, Tribes to join in historic summit 

Pearce congressional update tour to stop in T or C 
Rep. Hamilton reschedules visit with public in T or C 
Granite Fire Fact Sheet 
Spruce Fire Fact Sheet 

NM Film Museum ready to roll 

Night Sky Office created to eliminate light pollution

Senate approves homeland security initiatives that benefit FLETC,  border area

Domenici pushes for NM Tech first responder funding

Gila National Forest Fire Update
 

Senator Bingaman pushes measure

to protect law-abiding Americans

from government snooping

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today joined in introducing a measure that would modify a portion of the USA PATRIOT Act that allows federal investigators broad power to secretly examine business records, including those of library and bookstore patrons who have nothing to do with terrorist groups.

Section 215 of the PATRIOT Act allows the FBI power to subpoena business records by simply stating the information the agency is seeking is part of a foreign intelligence investigation.

With subpoena in hand, the FBI can go into a community's library, bookstore or other business and view the record of every patron.

A bill cosponsored by Bingaman today would change that by requiring the FBI to meet a stricter standard before it could examine business records. It would also require the agency to more narrowly focus its searches to individuals suspected of terrorist ties, so the records of those who have no suspected terrorists ties would be precluded from the search.

"Finding terrorists and thwarting their efforts to harm our nation remains a key objective under this measure. But the basic rights of law-abiding Americans are also protected,” Bingaman said.

“As we continue this war on terror, we can't lose sight of the fundamental freedoms and way of life we're working so hard to protect," Bingaman said.

Authored by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), the measure would roll back Section 215 as it applies to libraries, bookstores and other businesses so that the standard of proof required of the FBI would be the same standard that was in place prior to enactment of the PATRIOT Act.

Under that standard, in order to obtain information pertaining to a foreign intelligence investigation, the FBI first had to specify that there were "specific and articulable facts giving reason to believe that the person to whom the records pertain is a foreign power or an agent of a foreign power."

By returning to the stricter pre-PATRIOT Act standard, the FBI would still retain the ability to carry out legitimate terrorism investigations. For example, as it stands now if the FBI learns that a terrorist cell is plotting an attack based on the story line in a specific book, it could seek out the library record of every individual in a given neighborhood who read that book.

Returning to the old standard would allow the FBI to view library records, but the agency could only ask for the records of individuals it has demonstrated are suspected terrorists, not everyone who checked out a particular book.

The legislation also tightens the standard under which the FBI can secretly view electronic communication that takes place at libraries and businesses with public Internet access.

To obtain a warrant, currently the FBI need only state that the information is needed for an authorized terrorist investigation.

The measure cosponsored by Bingaman would require that the FBI also certify that there is factual suspicion about a specific individual. That would allow the FBI to continue to view electronic communications, but only for those suspected of involvement with terrorist groups.

In addition to Bingaman, the measure is cosponsored by Daniel Akaka (D-HA); Maria Cantwell (D-WA); Jon Corzine (D-NJ); Richard Durbin (D-IL); Jim Jeffords (I-VT); Edward Kennedy (D-MA); and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-31-03)

Pearce kicks off

congressional update tour

Congressman travels statewide

to meet with constituents

WASHINGTON, DC - With the U.S. House of Representatives in recess for the month of August, Congressman Steve Pearce (R-NM) will be traveling throughout the state on his Congressional Update Tour.

Pearce kicks off the tour on Friday, Aug. 1, in Hobbs.

For the next few weeks, Pearce will travel the 69,598 square-mile district, meeting with his constituency and discussing the nation's most important topics including jobs, economy, Medicare, Iraq, water and education.

"The Congressional Update Tour is an excellent way for me to travel throughout the district and visit with people face-to-face. Southern New Mexico hired me to represent their interests in Washington, and it is my responsibility to remain accessible and accountable to those whom I represent, and that is why I return to the district at every available opportunity," Pearce said.

"This tour will give me the opportunity to hear first hand about New Mexicans’ opinions on the issues we have been working on in Congress for the past seven months," he said.

Pearce will be attending meetings and events across a broad swath of Southern New Mexico. By the end of August, Pearce will have held a Town Hall Meeting in each county he represents.

"I invite everyone to come and join my staff and me for a conversation about our communities, our state and our country. This is a forum where we can gather in an organized manner as Southern New Mexicans to voice our concerns and share our visions for our state and for America," he added.

…Pearce’s Town Hall Meeting Schedule:

Monday, Aug. 4, 6:30 - 8 p.m. - Lincoln County Town Hall Meeting at the Ruidoso City Hall, 313 Cree Meadow Drive in Ruidoso.

Tuesday, Aug. 5, 6:30 - 8 p.m. - Otero County Town Hall Meeting at the Alamogordo Public Schools Board Room, 1211 Hawaii St. in Alamogordo.

Wednesday, Aug. 6, 6:30 - 8 p.m. - Sierra County Town Hall Meeting at the Truth or Consequences City Hall, 505 Sims St. in Truth or Consequences.

Monday, Aug. 11, 6:30 - 8 p.m. - Socorro County Town Hall Meeting at the Socorro City Hall, 111 School of Mines Road in Socorro.

Tuesday, Aug. 12, 6:30 - 8 p.m. - Valencia County Town Hall Meeting at the Los Lunas City Hall, 660 Main St. NW in Los Lunas.

Thursday, Aug. 14, 6:30 - 8 p.m. - Catron County Town Hall Meeting at Catron County Courthouse on Main Street in Reserve.

Friday, Aug. 15, 6:30 - 8 p.m. - Grant County Town Hall Meeting at Grant County Courthouse Annex, 1400 E. U.S. Highway 180 in Silver City.

Tuesday, Aug. 19, 6:30 - 8 p.m. - Cibola County Town Hall Meeting at Cow Palace on Rodeo Road, Exit 81 off of I-40.

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-31-03)

Domenici uses GAO assessment of FLETC

to bolster argument for more training in Artesia

GAO reports says FLETC-Artesia ‘Underutilized’

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pete Domenici today ramped up his call for better management of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) program, pointing to a new study that says there is a great need to improve schedules to meet federal law enforcement and homeland security training needs.

Domenici, as a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, has been working to ensure that the newly-created Department of Homeland Security (DHS) fully utilizes all FLETC campuses, particularly the one in Artesia.

A new General Accounting Office (GAO) report confirms that FLETC-Artesia is underutilized and stresses the need for DHS to replace a manual scheduling process that has prevented FLETC from keeping pace with the training demands after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. (Report GAO-03-736)

"The GAO confirms a lot of my growing concerns about how the Homeland Security Department is managing its FLETC resources," Domenici said.  "The report confirms that more training can be handled in Artesia, and that training overall needs to more effectively organized."

In response to the GAO report, Domenici is moving forward on a proposal to give the FLETC director authority to schedule agency training at FLETC facilities, which include campuses in Artesia, Glynco, GA, Charleston, SC, and a Cheltenham, MD, facility for Washington, DC, metropolitan police agencies.

Domenici began pressing for this during recent consideration of the FY2004 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, and gained a commitment to have the plan considered as part of legislation being developed by the Governmental Affairs Committee.

"We are very fortunate to have the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, which was created to ensure that our federal law enforcement officers receive the basic, advanced, specialized, and refresher training they need to protect our country,” Domenici said.

“Unfortunately, however, no one in this organization has the authority to schedule the training of various agencies at FLETC facilities throughout the country,” he said.

“This has resulted in strains on the facilities in Glynco and Charleston, while the campus at Artesia is underutilized," Domenici wrote to Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME).

Collins has suggested incorporating the Domenici FLETC language into S.1254 when it is considered by the Senate later this year.

"The scheduling system that FLETC uses to keep track of training classes is severely outdated and burdensome. While the Department of Homeland Security indicated in its response that steps are being taken to address the problems contained in the GAO report, I believe we in Congress can take action to ensure that this is done in a timely and efficient fashion," Domenici said.

Earlier this month, the Senate approved the FY2004 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill that included an additional $5.03 million for an indoor/outdoor firing range at FLETC-Artesia.

This funding is included within the $201.4 million provided for overall FLETC-a $55.4 million increase over the President’s $146 million budget request.

The FY2004 funding level includes $172.7 million for FLETC salaries and expenses, of which $50.4 million is to cover additional basic training.

The bill has $28.7 million for construction, including the firing range in Artesia.

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-31-03)

BLM lifts fire restrictions

in Southwest New Mexico

LAS CRUCES - The U.S. Bureau of Land Management today lifted all fire restrictions on public land in Southwest New Mexico, including in Hidalgo, Luna, Dona Ana, Sierra, Otero and Grant Counties, according to BLM-Las Cruces Field Office Manager Amy Lueders.

The restrictions began May 23.

“We appreciate the responsible actions of all who’ve visited public lands during the restriction period, they’ve helped protect everyone’s interest in these valuable resources,” Lueders said.

The restrictions are lifted effective July 30 and are concurrent with similar actions by other governmental agencies.

Additional information about fire conditions is available online at www.fs.fed.us/r3/fire, or by calling BLM-Las Cruces Fire Management Officer Steve Bumgarner at 505-525-4300.

The BLM, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, is responsible for managing about 13 million acres of public lands in New Mexico.  The BLM-Las Cruces field office is responsible for about 5.4 million of those acres in New Mexico’s six southwestern counties.

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-30-03)

Eclipse Aviation Corp. secures

private equity funding for $87M

Aviation innovator has raised $325M to date;

anticipated to take the Eclipse 500 Jet to FAA certification

OSHKOSH, WI - Eclipse Aviation Corp., manufacturer of the Eclipse 500 jet, today announced completion of its fifth round of private equity funding for $87 million for a total of $325 million of equity funding to date.

The funding will be used to complete testing and FAA certification of the Eclipse 500 jet.

"The value proposition created by the Eclipse 500 and the advanced state of our development program have made Eclipse Aviation attractive to the investment community, especially now that Pratt and Whitney Canada has been selected to supply the engines," said Vern Raburn, president and CEO of Eclipse Aviation.

"In one of the most difficult private equity markets seen in decades, we have raised $87 million in this round and believe the $325 million in cumulative equity funding to date is the largest total amount of funding ever raised for a new aircraft company. We expect this latest round to be our final equity round. We are on track for FAA certification in early 2006," Raburn said.

The capital in this round of financing includes a $10 million investment from the State of New Mexico's State Investment Council, which was enabled by a new law enacted in the recent legislative session. The remainder of the equity capital was from a group of undisclosed private investors.

"This investment represents the confidence we have in Eclipse as a sound investment and in recognition of the importance Eclipse will play in building a high wage economy in New Mexico," said New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, who supported the State Investment Council investment in Eclipse.

…Test flight findings advance

program momentum

The Eclipse 500 resumed test flight in May equipped with interim engines and since then, Eclipse Aviation has successfully tested the revolutionary aircraft's low-speed handling characteristics and systems operations.

The company's advanced data acquisition system has enabled Eclipse to learn a significant amount about the aerodynamic and systems performance of the jet within a relatively short time period.

After completing the development testing of Eclipse 500 aerodynamics and systems with the interim engines, subsequent flight test aircraft will be used for certification flight testing with the Pratt & Whitney Canada engines, which will be available in late 2004. 

Altogether there are eight test aircraft, six of which will fly and two of which will be used for structural testing.

…About Eclipse Aviation

Eclipse Aviation is in the business of designing, certifying and producing modern, affordable jet aircraft that will revolutionize the transportation market.

The company is applying advanced electronics systems, manufacturing and business practices to produce aircraft that cost about a quarter of today's small jet aircraft, will be significantly safer and easier to operate than those of today, and have the lowest cost of ownership ever achieved in a jet aircraft.

The goal of Eclipse is to bring the word "personal" into aviation, making it possible for commercial air passengers to move directly between cities on a quick, affordable and convenient basis. It will also allow pilot owners to enter the world of jet-powered aviation.  Contact Eclipse at http://www.eclipseaviation.com.

Eclipse Aviation Corporation, Eclipse, Eclipse 500, and Avio are trademarks of Eclipse Aviation Corp.

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-30-03)

Dry Lake Fire Use Complex Fact Sheet

Tuesday, July 29, 2003

FIRE NAME:  Dry Lake Fire Use Complex (Dry Lake, Turnbo, Moonshine, Granny and Rock Fires)

CAUSE: Lightning

SIZE:  The Dry Lake Complex totals about 113,085 acres (Dry Lake: 94,580; Turnbo: 18,505).

STATUS:  Scattered rain and continued higher humidity resulted in very little fire activity on the Dry Lake Complex and minimal growth on the Turnbo Fire. Monitoring by aerial reconnaissance continues.  Horseback patrol of a northern portion of the Moonshine Fire is ending today. Public access to the Gila Wilderness is being restored effective at 0800 today.  Transition of fire management responsibilities from the Fire Use Team to the Forest was anticipated at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

LOCATION:  These fires are located in the Gila Wilderness about 27 miles northwest of Silver City, NM. The Dry Lake, Turnbo and Granny Fires are about 1 to 3 miles southwest of the Gila Cliff Dwellings.  The Moonshine Fire is roughly 3 miles south of Snow Lake.  The Rock Fire is about 9 miles southwest of the Gila Cliff Dwellings.

RESOURCE BENEFITS: The Dry Lake Fire is being managed as a suppression fire under a confine tactic.  The portion exceeding the wildland fire use management boundary is called the Turnbo Fire. The remainder of the complex, the Moonshine, Granny and Rock fires, are being managed for resource benefits. Long-term resource benefits include: reducing dead and down fuels, enhancing wildlife habitat, minimizing future threats to firefighters, and restoring low intensity fires to the wilderness.

FUELS:  The Dry Lake and Turnbo Fires are in areas of ponderosa pine and mixed conifer. The Moonshine Fire is burning in the area of the 1997 Lilly Fire.   Since this area was burned before, flammable material in the Moonshine Fire boundary is generally light.  This area includes small patches of downed dead trees and open forest. The Granny Fire is located in scattered brush, and the Rock Fire in heavy Pinyon, Juniper and brush.

SUMMARY OF ACTIVITY:  In the White Creek area on the Turnbo Fire some fire activity was observed as creeping in grass, pine needles and downed logs. In the Dry Lakes Complex, the Granny Fire showed some activity. Generally there is very little activity within the Complex due to recent scattered rain over the area. Smoldering continues in heavy fuels. 

TRAIL CLOSURES LIFTED:  Effective at 8 a.m. Tuesday, the Gila National Forest lifted trail closure and campfire restrictions in the Gila Wilderness. The closure and restrictions had been put in place in order to provide for public safety.

CONCERNS:  Firefighters, aviation, smoke, and public safety; threatened and endangered species habitat: Mexican Spotted Owl, Gila Trout, Gila Chub, Mexican Wolf, Spikedace, Chiricahua Leopard Frog and Loach Minnow; New Mexico Fish and Game cabin.

RESOURCES: Gary Cones’ Great Basin Interagency Fire Use Team is managing the fires. Transition of this responsibility to the Gila National Forest is anticipated effective today at 1800.

DRY LAKE COMPLEX INFORMATION:  505-388-8245

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-30-03)

Fire restrictions lifted from the Gila

The Gila National Forest announced today campfire and smoking restrictions were lifted at 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 29.

Due to increased amounts of precipitation and relative humidity, officials determined it is safe to rescind the order that went into effect on May 23.

In conjunction, the area-wide closure that was in effect for the Dry Lake Complex also were lifted Tuesday morning.

New Mexico Highway 159 (Bursum Road), near the town of Mogollon, was reopened Monday, July 28. 

The Glenwood District continues to have Gila Wilderness trail closures due to the Spruce and Nabours Fires but expects to have those closures lifted on Friday, Aug. 1.

For more information about areas affected by temporary closures, contact the Glenwood Ranger District at 505-539-2481.

The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and picnic and campgrounds remain open. The Catwalk National Recreation Area is open with limited access.

...Current Fire Update

Thirty-two new wildfires have been reported since Friday, July 25, with 20 of those occurring on the Reserve and Quemado Districts. This brings the total number of fires for this calendar year to 251.

The Spruce Complex is located 6 miles east of Glenwood, NM. The Silver Fire is part of the Spruce Complex and is located about 3 miles east of Mogollon, NM.

The total acreage of the Complex is 9,452, which includes Spruce, Silver and Nabours fires.

The fires are burning in Ponderosa Pine and mixed conifer. The fires have had minimal spread as a result of higher humidity and rain. The fire is 50% contained, with 37 personnel assigned.

The Dry Lake Complex, 27 miles northwest of Silver City, New Mexico, started on May 30.

At 113,085 acres, this project is being managed partly as a wildland fire use project with other portions known as Dry Lake being managed as a suppression fire under a confine tactic.

The Moonshine and Granny Fires, part of the complex, continue to be managed for resource benefits. The portion of fire which has exceeded the management area boundary is called the Turnbo Fire, and that too, is being treated as a suppression fire.

The newest fire, the Rock Fire, was detected within the management area boundary on July 23.  The fire, now at 55 acres, is being managed under fire use strategy.

Some of the long-term resource benefits include:  the reduction of dead and downed fuels, enhancing wildlife habitat; and minimizing future threats to firefighters and restoring low-intensity fires to the wilderness.

The Granite Fire is 35 miles northeast of Silver City, NM. At 3,300 acres, this wildfire is now 15% contained.  The fire is burning in very steep, rugged, and rocky terrain.  Trail closures are in effect in the local area to ensure firefighter and public safety.

For more information on these closures, please contact the Black Range Ranger District at 505-894-6677.

For specific information on fire activity in the Gila National Forest, call 505-388-8245.

For general fire information call the Southwest Area toll free 1-877-864-6985.

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-29-03)

$33.1 million for college scholarships

NM lottery sets revenue records

ALBUQUERQUE - The New Mexico Lottery has posted a record $137 million in sales for the 12 months that ended June 30.

The Lottery also announced Monday a record $33.1 million profit, all of which is earmarked for the Lottery Success Scholarship program, which provides in-state tuition at more than two dozen public colleges, universities and community colleges in New Mexico.

This marks the sixth consecutive full year of sales increases, only the second U.S. start-up lottery to achieve this goal.

Additionally, the Lottery has set net profit records five of its seven full fiscal years.

"This means more money to help ensure the longevity of the Lottery Success Scholarship program," said Lottery CEO Tom Shaheen. "Using current school year tuition averages, the increase alone is equal to about 3,000 additional scholarships for two- and four-year colleges." All figures are preliminary and un-audited.

Overall sales for fiscal 2003 (July 1, 2002 - June 30, 2003) increased by $3.1 million over the same period during fiscal 2002.  And net profits for the Lottery Success Scholarship during fiscal 2003 increased by $3.5 million over fiscal 2002.

Shaheen said the record performance in sales and profits are the result of higher Powerball jackpots, changes made to Pick 3 and a variety of instant ticket (scratch) games.

"We have nearly 1,200 Lottery retailers in New Mexico," added Shaheen.  "These important partners and their employees are the first point of contact for New Mexicans and visitors who buy lottery products.”

“But they are not the only partners who helped make the past 12 months a record year for the Lottery and the Lottery Success Scholarship program," he said.

Shaheen said that renegotiating contracts with the Lottery's key vendors further reduced costs and overhead. "This allowed us to raise the most money possible for the Lottery Success Scholarship program," Shaheen said.

"By mid-year, we were already on track for a record year.  Every time we raise more money than anticipated, it helps endow the Lottery scholarships for current and future students as both enrollments and tuition rates increase," he said.

According to preliminary data from the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education, more than 25,000 students have benefited from the Lottery Success Scholarship since the program began in 1997 through the spring 2003 semester.

Since the Lottery began in April 1996, more than $181 million has been raised for New Mexico education, now earmarked entirely for the Lottery Success Scholarship.

The $3.5 million profit increase in FY '03 is equal to funding the following number of additional Lottery Success Scholarships, based on 2003-04 school year in-state tuition averages (excluding fees) provided by the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education:

·              Statewide (25 institutions) - $1,104 = 3,170 new scholarships;

·              Three four-year research institutions (NM Tech, NMSU, UNM) - $2,438 average = 1,435 new scholarships;

·              Three four-year comprehensive institutions (ENMU, NMHU, WNMU) - $1,179 = 2,968 new scholarships;

·              Ten two-year branch campuses (ENMU, NMSU, UNM) - $864 = 4,051 new scholarships;

·              Seven two-year community colleges (CCC, LCC, NMJC, NNMCC, SFCC, SJC, TVI) - $622 - 5,627 new scholarships;

·              Two two-year specialized independent campuses (MCC, NMMI) - $1,075 = 3,256 new scholarships.

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-28-03)

State, Tribes to join in historic summit

Economic development issues
subject of day-long session

In a groundbreaking move designed to take their relationship to a new level of cooperation and involvement, the State of New Mexico and New Mexico Tribes will join in the Tribal-State Economical Development Summit on Thursday, July 31, at the State Capitol building in Santa Fe.

The All Indian Pueblo Council (AIPC) requested the summit in January 2003.

"The request was made at our initial meeting with the governor in January when he talked about this government-to-government relationship," Gil Vigil, vice-chairman of the council, said, "and we signed an agreement committing both sides to have these summits on a regular basis."

The Navajo Nation and the Mescalero Apache and Jicarilla Apache Nations have been invited to join in the Economic Development Summit.

The All-Indian Pueblo Council includes representatives from Acoma, Cochiti, Isleta, Jemez, Laguna, San Felipe, Santa Ana, Santo Domingo, Sandia, Zia, Zuni, Nambe, Picuris, Pojoaque, San Ildefonso, San Juan, Santa Clara, Taos and Tesuque pueblos. It is a prehistoric alliance of the 19 pueblos located in what is now the State of New Mexico.

"This is a not a feel-good-type training session," said Monica Abeita, Indian Tourism Program manager for the New Mexico Tourism Department, "but a real effort to bring tribal leaders together with state agency officials, legislators and others to work out specific policy recommendations to address economic development on tribal lands."

Vigil added, "This is not just to talk and accomplish nothing, but where policies can be reviewed and recommendations made that will benefit both the state and the tribes."

The Tribal-State Economic Development Summit begins at 8 a.m. with a welcome and opening prayer by tribal leaders. Discussion sessions include financing and incentives; infrastructure and water; taxation; and tourism and hospitality.

The sessions are closed to the public, but closing statements by the All Indian Pueblo Council and Gov. Bill Richardson in the Rotunda at 4:15 p.m. are open to the public and the media.

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-28-03)

Pearce congressional update tour

to stop in Truth or Consequences

WASHINGTON, DC - Sierra County residents will have the opportunity to visit with their U.S. Representative on Wednesday, Aug. 6, as Congressman Steve Pearce (R-NM) will stop in Truth or Consequences to hold a Town Hall Meeting.

With the U.S. House of Representatives in recess for the next month, Pearce will be traveling throughout the state on his Congressional Update Tour.

For the next few weeks, Pearce will travel throughout the 64,000 square-mile district, meeting with his constituency and discussing the nation's most important topics including jobs, economy, Medicare, Iraq, water and education.

"Southern New Mexico hired me to represent their interests in Washington, and it is my job to remain accessible and accountable to those whom I represent, and that is why I return to the state at every available opportunity," Pearce said.

Pearce will be attending meetings and events across a broad swath of Southern New Mexico. By the end of August, Pearce will have held a Town Hall Meeting in every county he represents.

"I invite everyone in the counties to come and join me and my staff for a conversation about our communities, our state and our country. This is a forum where we can gather in an organized manner as Southern New Mexicans and voice our concerns and share our visions for our state and for America," he added.

The Town Hall Meeting is set for 6:30 p.m. at the Truth or Consequences City Hall, 505 Sims St.

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-28-03)

Rep. Hamilton reschedules

visit with public in T or C

State Representative Dianne Hamilton, R- District 38, will hold office hours from 9 a.m. to 12 noon Thursday, July 31, at the Sierra County Economic Development Organization’s office at the T or C Civic Center, 400 W. 4^th St.

Last week, when her office hours were cancelled, it was too late to give notice to the newspapers.  She hopes the change in schedule has not been inconvenient to her interested constituents.

Call Claudia at 894-9061 for an appointment, or just stop by SCEDO on Thursday morning.

<<<   >>>

(posted 7-28-03)

Granite Fire Fact Sheet

Monday, July 28, 2003

LOCATION:  The Granite Fire is located 8 miles north of Emory Pass in the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. 

STARTED:  July 11, 2003 

SIZE:  about 3,300 acres

CAUSE: Lightning

FUELS:  The Granite Fire is burning in Ponderosa Pine and oak with grass and needle understory.  There are pockets of pinon and juniper on the south facing ridges and mixed conifer on the north facing slopes.

SUMMARY:  The Granite Fire is burning in very steep, rugged and rocky terrain, and is currently at 15 percent containment.  Fire is staying low to the ground and creeping, spreading in a fingering pattern.  As the fire backs out of the steeper, rugged high elevations, fire crews will initiate burnout operations to remove unburned fuel between the current fire and Trail #114, Holden Prong Trail.  Holden Prong Trail #114 is the containment line on the northern and western perimeters.

To provide for firefighter and public safety, the following trails have been closed:

·              Holden Prong Trail #114 north of the Black Range Crest Trail #79 to the Forest boundary in Animas Creek

·              Trail #117 from Hillsboro Peak to Cave Creek

·              Sid’s Prong Trail #121 north of the Black Range Crest Trail #79 to Animas Creek

·              Water Canyon Trail #20 from the Black Range Crest Trail #79 to Animas Creek

·              Trail #307 south from North Seco Canyon at Davis Well to Forest Road 157 near Kingston

·              Pretty Canyon Trail #812 from Black Range Crest Trail #79 to Sid’s Prong Trail #121

Anyone planning a trip into the southern Aldo Leopold Wilderness should check for the latest fire information and trail closure status with the Black Range Ranger District at 505-894-6677. 

CONCERNS:  Firefighter, aviation, and public safety; Threatened and Endangered Species habitat for Mexican Spotted Owl; and habitat for the Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout.

RESOURCES:  Resources assigned to the Granite Fire are Type 3 Incident Commander Burt Plante, a 20-person Type 2 hand crew from Ohio State Forestry, and a 20-person Type 1 Silver City Hotshot Crew.  Two horse packers and a helicopter are shuttling supplies to the firefighters.  A total of 50 personnel are currently assigned to the Granite Fire.             

RESTRICTIONS:  No campfires outside of designated campgrounds; use of fueled stoves, lanterns or heating devices are permitted; smoking only within an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site, or in an area at least three feet in diameter cleared of all burnable material; no fireworks; no operation of any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device. 

GRANITE FIRE INFORMATION:  505-894-6677

 <<<   >>>

(posted 7-28-03)

Spruce Complex Fact Sheet

July 25, 2003

Fire Name:  Spruce Complex; The Spruce Complex consists of the Spruce Fire, Nabours Fire, and the Silver Fire.

Time/Date Started:  Spruce Fire started July 11; Nabours Fire started July 14; and Silver Fire started July 11.

Location:  The Spruce and Nabours Fire are about 6 miles east of Glenwood in the Gila Wilderness Area on the Gila National Forest.  The Silver Fire is about 3 miles east of Mogollon on the Glenwood District of the Gila National Forest.

Cause: Lightning

Fuels:  Mixed conifer, ponderosa pine and brush

Size:  Spruce Fire—6,400 acres; Nabours Fire—943 acres; Silver Fire—1,900 acres.

% Contained:  18%

Resources Committed:  2 Type I Crews, 2 Type II Crews, 3 Engines, 3 Water Tenders, 3 dozers, 2 Helicopter, 2 Camp Crews and 112 Miscellaneous Overhead Personnel for a total of 250 personnel committed to the Fire.

Predicted Weather:  Winds South to Southwest with variable light wind speed. Temperature in the 80s with chance of afternoon thundershowers.

Summary: Fires were more active today, but had minimal spread. Crews continued work on the Silver Fire cleaning up and rehabilitating control lines. The Northern Arizona Type II Incident Management Team will be transitioning the fire back to the Glenwood District as of 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 26.  The Team wishes to thank the local communities of Glenwood and Mogollon for the welcome we received.

Concerns:  Lack of access due to steep terrain.

Restrictions:  Highway 159 (Bursum Road) is closed.  Forest Trails 179, 181, 201, 202, 212, 214, 217, 218, 225 and 241 are closed at the Wilderness Boundary.  Highway 159 is tentatively scheduled to re-open on Saturday, July 26^th at 12:00 noon.

For information on fires and Forest closures and restrictions in Arizona and New Mexico, dial the toll free Fire Information Number @ 1-877-864-6985. For information about wildfires on the Gila National Forest, dial 505 388-8245.  

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(posted 7-28-03)

NM Film Museum ready to roll

"Quiet on the set!" is not a phrase you're likely to hear while exploring what Jon Hendry is confident will someday become the state's premier museum.

"We don't want a drab building filled with dusty displays of movie memorabilia, but an interactive, Hard Rock Cafe-type place that constantly changes, with New Mexico-made movies running 24/7, a 60-inch plasma television, great food and video games," said Hendry, travel and marketing director for the New Mexico Tourism Department.

"We want a place where you can borrow a digital camera for five days, shoot your vacation, come back in, have experts in the field help you edit it down, put it on a CD and e-mail it to 50 of your closest friends. How cool is that?  And what better way to sell New Mexico than to have our visitors do it?"

Hendry's brainchild became a Governor Bill Richardson cause, and with the urging of Senator Shannon Robinson and Speaker of the House Ben Lujan, the 2003 NM Legislature approved $100,000 in seed money to support the creation of the New Mexico Museum of Film and establish an 11-member board.

However, it is up to museum director Ymelda DeVargas and the board, both appointed by Richardson, to turn the dream into a $10 million, brick-and-mortar reality.

The board is chaired by Joann Balzer of Santa Fe and includes actor Gene Hackman, screenwriter Kirk Ellis, Alton Walpole (Mountainair Films), David Stone (president of Portales National Bank), Duncan North (screenwriter and Santa Fe Reporter columnist), Charlie O'Dowd (Working Boy Productions and Film Fortunes), Frank Zuniga (New Mexico Film Office), Cabinet Secretary of the Office of Cultural Affairs Ruben Smith, and Hendry.

"This group has the vision, energy and talent to create a world-class film museum for our state," Richardson said.

DeVargas, who has worked in the film industry for the past 10 years and served as an unpaid lobbyist for all the bills relating to the industry in the recent session, said credit should be given to Sen. Robinson, Speaker Lujan and Hendry "for all of their hard work in regard to the legislation - the tax incentives, investment bills and much more. We are fortunate to have them and Gov. Richardson as champions of our industry.”

“You can expect the growing film industry in New Mexico to flourish even more with Gov. Richardson's involvement," DeVargas said.

Joann Lynn Balzer, who chairs the museum board, was involved in the creation of both the Institute of American Indian Arts and the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art.

She has also worked with the Lensic Performing Arts Center, the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, the Museum of New Mexico Foundation, the Buckaroo Ball and the Code of the West Foundation; and is a member of an elite, worldwide group, designated a Certified Fundraising Executive.

The museum falls under the administrative purview of the New Mexico Tourism Department, which is just fine with Hendry.

"Secretary Fred Peralta is behind this effort 100 percent," Hendry said. "Creating more tourism in New Mexico sometimes means creating more attractions, like Billy the Kid's cabin in Silver City. The film museum is no exception, and something Secretary Peralta and I have been pushing for a long time.”

“We want it to be more than a place to visit - we want it to become a place to hang out on a Friday night. We bring in the people that helped create New Mexico movies - the actors, the crew - and let them talk about it,” Hendry said.

“We show Silverado on one screen, Tank Girl on another. We offer premieres and show the old movies, side by side,” Hendry said.

“Did you know the first movie ever made (Indian Day School, by Thomas Alva Edison in 1898) was made in New Mexico?” Hendry asks. “The museum will be a place to come back to, again and again; a place to honor the past films of New Mexico filmmakers, to celebrate the films of today and to teach our future film makers.”

Hendry said one of the first fundraising efforts will be a screenwriting competition, with the winner able to watch his script turn into a motion picture, thanks to the best and brightest of New Mexico's film professionals.

"Gun fights, science fiction, dinner and a movie; calling it a museum is a bit of a misnomer," Hendry said. "It will be a happening place. We can hardly wait."

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(posted 7-25-03)

Night Sky Office created

to eliminate light pollution

SANTA FE - Light pollution in New Mexico will soon have a full-time adversary.

The New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance's Executive Director, Julianne Fletcher, announced Thursday the creation of the Night Sky Office.

Sheila Sullivan will serve as director and plans to take the lead in developing and advancing programs that work toward eliminating light pollution. 

Light pollution is unnecessary glare from electric fixtures that dims people's view of the stars.

The Night Sky Office will initiate action on issues concerning light pollution and New Mexico's night sky, and will establish educational, legislative, informational and outreach efforts to reverse light pollution in our state, and will promote pristine night skies, said Sullivan.

Additionally, the office will act as a clearinghouse for counties, municipalities, homeowners' associations, and other jurisdictional entities that have existing light regulations or ordinances or are looking for resources to develop such regulations. 

A section dedicated to the Night Sky Office will be added to NMHPA's website at www.nmheritage.org.

In 1999, The Alliance listed the Night Sky on its Most Endangered Places list and partnered with other organizations and individuals to pass the Night Sky Protection Act three months later.

State Representative Pauline Gubbels sponsored the bill, which was signed into law by Governor Gary Johnson. 

In 2002, at the request of NMHPA's Night Sky Committee, Governor Johnson proclaimed Aug. 12 as "New Mexico Dark Sky Appreciation Night" and invited New Mexicans to "go out and enjoy the night sky."

Request for the 2^nd annual proclamation, for Aug. 27, has been submitted to Governor Richardson.

Robin Martin, a prominent advocate for protection of New Mexico's night sky, made establishment of the office possible through a generous grant.

When Jerry Rogers, president of the Alliance first proposed the idea that the dark night sky with myriad stars is part of our cultural heritage, most New Mexicans had not considered the sky in that way.

In announcing this new Office and program, Rogers said, "Without conscious action, future generations will not experience the night sky as we and our ancestors have since time immemorial."

For more information, call Sheila Sullivan, Director, Night Sky Office, 505-466-0085 or Julianne Fletcher, Director, New Mexico Heritage Preservation Alliance, 505-989-7745.

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(posted 7-25-03)

Senate approves homeland

security initiatives that

benefit FLETC, border area

WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate Thursday approved a spending bill that funds several key homeland security initiatives for which U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman sought funding.

The Senate approved a fiscal year 2004 spending bill that funds the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in a 93-1 vote.

Bingaman successfully pushed for inclusion of $5.029 million to construct an indoor/outdoor firearms range at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Artesia.

"FLETC is instrumental in ensuring the nation's law enforcement personnel are prepared for any situation.  In this post 9/11 world, it is important that we keep FLETC in top shape, and that's exactly what this new firing range would do," Bingaman said.

Bingaman reported the spending bill also contains $172 million for salaries and expenses at FLETC campuses nationwide, and $28.7 million for general acquisition, construction and improvement costs.

Bingaman was able to secure the assurances of the chairman and the ranking member of Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that the $90.3 million in the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection construction account can and should be used for continued construction of vehicle barriers near the Santa Teresa and Columbus ports of entry.

In recent years, Bingaman was able to secure $967,000 to begin construction, but the New Mexico Border Authority estimates an additional $2.4 million will be needed for an additional 76 miles of vehicle barriers.

"Adding more vehicle barriers will help us in our effort to keep out those who intend to do harm to our country.  Such barriers will also help ensure that drug traffickers are prevented from crossing the border," Bingaman said.

Before the legislation can be signed into law, it must be reconciled with the House of Representatives' version.  The Senate bill currently contains the following:

·              Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) study: Bingaman wrote an amendment the bill that calls on the General Accounting Office to study problems that have plagued SEVIS. The SEVIS system was created following 9/11 to track foreign students at the nation's universities. The GAO study would look into the need to keep the detailed information collected for SEVIS, assess technical problems faced by universities using the system, and report on steps being taken to fix those problems.

·              National Domestic Preparedness Consortium: $80 million for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium, of which New Mexico Tech is a member.

·              Cerro Grande: $38,062,000 for Cerro Grande fire claims.

·              Science and Technology: $866 million for science and technology activities. Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories will benefit from this funding.

·              Border Agents: An increase of $41 million to fund 570 new border agent positions, bringing the total to more than 11,650 agents. The bill also directs DHS to submit a deployment plan for the new agents. Earlier this year, Bingaman wrote to the chief of the Border Patrol requesting that he allocate additional Border Patrol agents to the Deming Border Patrol station in New Mexico.

·              Border Staffing: The bill directs the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to review staffing nationwide and to submit a comprehensive deployment plan to include existing and newly funded positions. Bingaman has been pushing the DHS to beef up the staffing levels at the Santa Teresa and Columbus ports of entry.

·              Port of Entry Construction: The bill directs DHS to work with the General Services Administration (GSA) to develop a nationwide strategy to prioritize and address the infrastructure needs at the land ports of entry and to comply with the requirements of the Public Buildings Act of 1959 to seek necessary funding. In addition, the bill directs the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to review the prioritized funding list for construction projects for the Border Patrol and submit an updated plan. The Santa Teresa and Columbus ports of entry together have several million dollars in infrastructure needs, which would be addressed by this plan.

·              First Responder Funding: $750 million for Firefighter Assistance Grants and $1.75 billion for the First Responder Grant Program, which includes funding for training, exercises, equipment, and technical assistance, consistent with each state's homeland security plan.

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(posted 7-25-03)

Domenici pushes for NM Tech first
responder funding as Senate passes
2004 homeland security funding bill

Senator also speak out on DHS

benefits at Playas, NM

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Pete Domenici voted Thursday with the Senate to approve the FY2004 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill that will continue the first responder training program at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology at Socorro, but expressed concerns about the funding levels provided for this work.

Domenici, as a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, will now serve on a conference committee that will reconcile differences in the House and Senate-passed versions of the $29.4 billion measure.  The senate passed the bill on a 93-1 vote.

"This bill has been intentionally written to give the new Homeland Security Department the flexibility to use this funding where it will best serve to protect the public and establish this young new agency," Domenici said.

But in a statement to the Senate, Domenici was critical of the $140 million provided for first responder training carried out by members of the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium (NDPC).  New Mexico Tech, as a NDPC member, would receive $20 million to continue its first responder training program in FY2004.

"I firmly believe we need to support the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium with the funding needed to fully utilize its capacity and to train as quickly as possible the additional thousands of first responders who need training in a comprehensive and coordinated fashion," Domenici said.

"The $20 million provided to each of the four training partners in the Consortium is below the $30 million they each received in FY2001 and FY2002.  It is an artificial level developed with the delay in enacting the FY2003 appropriations bills earlier this year and nearly five full months into the fiscal year,” he said.

"I hope as this bill moves forward that we will recognize this extremely valuable homeland security asset and will provide significantly more funding for the National Domestic Preparedness Consortium in the final bill so that we can train our first responders without delay," the senator said.

New Mexico Tech has the expertise to train first responders in conventional explosives.  The Socorro County institution alone has trained more than 6,000 first responders at its one-week advanced course, and more than 40,000 first responders in its general course, Domenici said.

The bill provides $3.6 billion overall to train and equip state and local first responders, and ensure state and local law enforcement can undertake and expand anti-terrorism activities. This is more than 10 times the pre-Sept. 11 funding levels for these programs.

Domenici also submitted a statement to accompany the bill that encourages the DHS to actively work with New Mexico Tech and New Mexico State University in the purchase of Playas, NM. 

The universities are in the process of purchasing the town in order to establish a National Emergency Response Training, Research, and Development Center there.

"New Mexico Tech and NMSU see the Playas center as playing two critical roles - as an advanced training facility where our nation's first responders can practice real world training scenarios and a place where biological, agricultural and environmental terrorism can be studied," Domenici said.

"The Playas purchase would add significantly to the DHS infrastructure," Domenici said.  "Because the entire necessary infrastructure is in place, this town could be used for training personnel charged with protecting our homeland.”

“Furthermore, our nation must be able to handle agricultural and biological outbreaks that could significantly harm our citizens and create chaos in our agricultural sector, Domenici said, adding, “Playas is the perfect location study and train against these problems."

"I suggest that the Department of Homeland Security work with New Mexico Tech to purchase this town. I am certain it could be a great training and research asset for the new department," he said.

Highlights of funding for programs requested and supported by Domenici include:

National Domestic Preparedness Consortium - $140 million is approved to continue first responder training through this consortium of Fort McClellan, Alabama ($60 million), and four training partners ($20 million each) New Mexico Tech, Texas A&M, the Nevada Test Site, and Louisiana State University.

Bureau of Customs and Border Protection Personnel - An increase of $33.3 million is approved for additional inspection personnel.  These funds are provided in response to staffing concerns across the nation, including New Mexico ports of entry.  The Bureau is to submit a comprehensive deployment plan to include existing and new personnel positions.

Border Agents - $41 million in additional funding is provided to fund 570 new border agent positions, bringing the total number of border patrol agents to 11,650.  The Bureau is to submit a deployment plan to the committee for review.

Integrated Surveillance Information Systems - The Committee directs the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to quickly implement deployment of this system with available funds, and to report to the Committee no later than Oct. 1, 2003, on progress made meeting this goal.

Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) - $318.7 million is provided to continue development of ACE, a new automated system to expedite border crossings.

Border Infrastructure  - Continuing Senator Domenici’s initiative to focus attention and resources on border infrastructure needs, the Committee supports implementation of the US-Mexico border partnership action plan.  The Committee directs the Department of Homeland Security to work with the General Services Administration (GSA) to develop a nationwide strategy to prioritize and address the infrastructure needs at land ports-of-entry, and to seek necessary funding.  There are infrastructure needs at both the Santa Teresa and Columbus ports of entry in New Mexico.   The Border Patrol is also directed to update its priority list for construction projects by July 1, 2004.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Personnel - The Committee approves an additional $20.3 million and 173 positions (155 special agents) to increase immigration and customs investigations staffing.  A comprehensive staffing deployment plan is requested for this organization.

Domestic Preparedness - $3.6 billion in total is provided for the Office of Domestic Preparedness, including $2.9 billion for State and Local programs, and $750 million for Firefighter Assistance Grants. For State and Local programs, $1.75 billion will be allocated by formula on a per capita basis, and funds shall be disbursed within 60 days of enactment of the bill.  Not less than 80 percent of the funds shall be obligated to local governments within 45 days after the States receive these funds. $50 million is for the Citizen Corps.$500 million of these State and Local funds are for terrorism prevention grants. $750 million will go to high-threat urban areas. $50 million is to be available for training exercises.  Exercises at Playas in New Mexico could be funded under this program.

Emergency Preparedness and Response - The Committee directs the Department of Homeland Security to award $79.75 million currently available for interoperable communications equipment to communities by Oct. 1.

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(posted 7-25-03)

Gila National Forest Fire Update

July 24, 2003

Forty-five new wildfires have been reported since Sunday, July 20, bringing the total number of Gila National Forest fires this calendar year to 206.

The Spruce Complex is located 6 miles east of Glenwood, New Mexico. The Silver Fire is part of the Spruce Complex and is located about 3 miles east of Mogollon, New Mexico.

The total acreage of the Complex is 8,353, which includes Spruce, Silver and Nabours fires. The fires are burning in Ponderosa Pine and mixed conifer.

The fires have reportedly had minimal spread as a result of higher humidity and cooler daytime temperatures, and strategically-placed water drops.

Van Bateman’s Northern Arizona Incident Management Team is assigned to the fire and a total of 330 personnel are committed. At this time, there is no estimate of containment.  Highway 159 (Bursum Road) remains closed in conjunction with an area closure to ensure firefighter and public safety.

The Dry Lake Complex, 27 miles northwest of Silver City, New Mexico, started on May 30. At 111,000 acres, this project is being managed partly as a wildland fire use project with other portions known as Dry Lake being managed as a suppression fire under a confine tactic.

The Moonshine and Granny Fires, part of the complex, continue to be managed for resource benefits. The portion of fire which has exceeded the management area boundary is called the Turnbo Fire, and that too, is being treated as a suppression fire.

A new fire, the Rock Fire, was detected within the management area boundary on July 23.  The fire, now at ten acres, will be managed under fire use strategy.

Some of the long-term resource benefits include:  the reduction of dead and downed fuels, enhancing wildlife habitat; and minimizing future threats to firefighters and restoring low-intensity fires to the wilderness.  An area closure is in effect to ensure firefighter and public safety.

The Divide Fire is 20 miles east, northeast of Reserve, New Mexico. It is 5,050 acres and 90% contained. A Type 3 Management Team is assigned to the fire for a total of 45 personnel.

The Granite Fire is 35 miles northeast of Silver City, New Mexico. At 1600 acres, this wildfire is 0% contained. 

The fire is burning in very steep, rugged, and rocky terrain.  Fire behavior is low to moderate and described as staying low to the ground and creeping and spreading in a fingering pattern. 

Trail closures are in effect in the local area to ensure firefighter and public safety.

While fire activity has forced the closure of several areas in the Gila National Forest, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument and most picnic and campgrounds remain open.  The Catwalk National Recreation Area is open with limited access.  

For more information about areas affected by temporary closures, please contact 388-8245, or the local Ranger Station.

Forest visitors are reminded that campfire and smoking restrictions are in effect on the Gila National Forest.  For general information on fire activity or restrictions, please call:  505-388-8245; or call toll free 1­877-864-6985.

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(posted 7-25-03)

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