Legislative Agenda
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce and the Conquistadores work together with community partners each year to determine the highest priorities to support and focus our lobbying efforts on throughout the Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe event.
Please make yourself familiar with these important issues and lend your support to the overall effort to support our community. To download a PDF click here.
2012 Doña Ana County Legislative Coalition Legislative Priorities
- Doña Ana County/City of Las Cruces - Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority 911 Center
- MVEDA - Commercial Space Informed Consent
- NMSU-Las Cruces - Hardman/Jacobs Hall Renovation and Additions
- NMSU-Las Cruces - NMSU Institute for Public Policy (IPP)
- NMSU-Dona Ana Community College - Gadsden Center - Phase 3
- The Bridge - Funding for Cross-Sector Partnerships
- The Bridge - Dual Credit
- Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce - Armijo House Rehabilitation
2012 Legislative Issue Fact Sheet
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DOÑA ANA COUNTY LEGISLATIVE COALITION Partnerships for a Stronger Community |
Priority: Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority 911 Center
Funding Need: $850,000 for Planning
Description: The Mesilla Valley Regional Dispatch Authority is a collaboration
between the 911 emergency services of Dona Ana County, the City of Las Cruces, the City of Sunland Park, the Town of Mesilla, and the Village of Hatch. Growing needs for emergency dispatch has led to the need for a larger facility.
Issues: The current location was not originally intended or built for its
current use. Located in a flood plain, the site could become impaired during inclement weather, when services are most needed. In addition to the space concerns, there are serious security issues that must be addressed. MVRDA, the County-wide emergency communications center, by federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) definition is considered a critical infrastructure facility. Loss or disruption of the MVRDA center due to weather, accident, or terrorist activity would mean a complete loss of 9-1-1 service and public safety dispatch and communications coordination to all of Doña Ana County. There are very specific national standards requirements under the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) regarding location, construction, and the infrastructure of PSAP's.
It's critical that a new location be identified and a facility built to ensure safe, coordinated, and reliable response for law enforcement, fire protection services, and ambulance services. The new location should meet all applicable national standards for Public Safety Answering Points which will require items such as, but not limited to, perimeter security that includes fencing, access control, backup power, Information Technology systems, approved HVAC, fire protection systems and video monitoring. Additionally, site selection must take into account a location that is readily accessible to public safety personnel, yet distant enough from railways and roadways that may carry hazardous cargo. The site and access to the site must also be outside of flood prone areas.
Finally, the new site should plan room for future expansion as the region continues to grow in order to be properly prepared to serve the emergency response needs of our area far into the future.
Contact: Chuck McMahon, Doña Ana County
chuckm@donaanacounty.org
575-525-6129
Impact: Multiple Southern New Mexico agencies will benefit from this
project. A new facility will increase survivability rates, reliable response systems, and protected communication linkages during power outages, catastrophic weather events, and other crisis scenarios.
Proposed New Facility Requirements
- 5 acre site for perimeter security and expansion
- 12,300 sq. ft. building
- Designed and built specifically for 9-1-1 dispatch
- Designed to meet critical infrastructure standards
- Meets Homeland Security concerns and national standards
- Ability to support technology & systems
- Ability for future expansion
- Site access
- Proximity to potential disasters
- Site integrity
- Proximity to amenities
- Perimeter security
2012 Legislative Issue Fact Sheet
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DOÑA ANA COUNTY LEGISLATIVE COALITION Partnerships for a Stronger Community |
Priority: MVEDA - Spaceport America Informed Consent
Funding Need:
Description: One of the primary requirements that space vehicle manufacturers are concerned about is the "Liability shielding for Commercial/Private Space Industry participants." NM has an informed consent law for space flight that applies to the primary operator, (i.e. the space flight entity). In the upcoming session, new legislation will be proposed to broaden the applicability of the space flight entity to include any manufacturer or supplier of components, services or vehicles used by the entity and reviewed by the United States Federal Aviation Administration as part of issuing such a license, permit, or authorization.
Issues: The key elements of NM's Space Flight Informed Consent Act of 2010 are:
- Indemnifies operators, but not suppliers
- Contains sunset clause in 2018
Virginia, Florida, & Texas have legislation in place that is much more robust. The TX, FL, VA versions are broader & could be more appealing to operators. Their legislation:
- Indemnifies operators and suppliers
- Has no sunset clause
Contact: Davin Lopez, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance
davin@mveda.com
575-525-2852
Impact: One of the overriding benefits of having Spaceport America located in our region is building on the economic development opportunities of this facility. In order for our region to be competitive, we must ensure that we are on a level playing field. This legislation is common in the industry and allows NM to place Spaceport America in a cost competitive position with other commercial space ports.
2012 Legislative Issue Fact Sheet
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DOÑA ANA COUNTY LEGISLATIVE COALITION Partnerships for a Stronger Community |
Priority: NMSU - Hardman Hall & Jacobs Hall Renovations / Additions
Funding Need: $30 million
Description: This one capital outlay request seeks to maximize efficiencies and minimize expense by combining and modernizing two aging facilities. Hardman and Jacobs Halls will be renovated and added to in order to combine the facilities and create the NMSU Undergraduate Teaching Center. These two buildings are 38-years-old and 49-years-old respectively. As such, they are in disrepair and not suited for a 21st century teaching environment. Individually rehabilitating these facilities would cost more than the present proposal. Efficiencies include the sharing of elevators, stairs and some restrooms. The teaching environment will also be much improved with a single undergraduate teaching facility under one roof. A total of 52,730 square feet will be renovated and 37,750 square feet will be added in order to accomplish combining the buildings, meeting building code, & fulfilling ADA requirements.
The Undergraduate Teaching Center will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, lecture facilities, seminar rooms, study areas and academic support spaces needed to meet the institution's mission to significantly enhance the undergraduate learning experience. Such a facility is necessary to increase undergraduate student retention and improve the university's graduation rate.
Issues: With a ratio of 218 square feet per full time enrolled student in 2010, the NMSU-Las Cruces campus is below the average of I&G square footage for the states four-year universities. The 2010 average square feet per full time enrolled student for four-year institutions is 314.
Contact: Ricardo Rel, NMSU
rrel@ad.nmsu.edu
575-635-2005
Impact: Hardman and Jacobs Halls renovation:
• Add to and renovate a 38-year-old and 49-year-old building to create the NMSU Undergraduate Teaching Center
- The NMSU Undergraduate Teaching Center will provide a 21st Century learning environment
- Improve teaching environment by housing undergraduate teaching facility under one roof
- Combining and modernizing two aging facilities seeks to maximize efficiencies and minimize expense
- Strives to increase student retention and graduation rate
2012 Legislative Issue Fact Sheet
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DOÑA ANA COUNTY LEGISLATIVE COALITION Partnerships for a Stronger Community |
Priority: NMSU-Las Cruces - NMSU Institute for Public Policy (IPP)
Funding Need: $7 million
Description: Renovations and additions to Hershel Zohn Theatre and Branson Library to house the NMSU Institute for Public Policy (College of Business classrooms, study areas, academic support spaces, and offices), NMSU's Arrowhead Center, and the Domenici Archives.
The IPP will be associated with the NMSU College of Business and remedy a lack of classrooms, offices and instructional support space in the College of Business; the most under spaced of the Colleges at NMSU. Additional classrooms will also meet university wide demand for both large sections and upper level seminar classes. A state of the art lecture hall will be created to conduct large class sections but just as importantly to support national and international conferences and symposiums that greatly enhance the educational experience of NMSU students
NMSU has secured a $10 million dollar federal appropriation for the IPP, $9 million of which is set aside for construction and $1 million is for programmatic purposes. In 2010, the legislature authorized $18 million in General Obligation Bond (GOB) funding and the Higher Education Department (HED) ranked the IPP as a #9 capital outlay funding priority. That bond issue failed so the project has been downsized to a $16 million renovation, in part because the federal appropriation is limited to renovation purposes only. Therefore, NMSU needs to secure Severance Tax Bond (STB) capital funds to appropriately complete renovation of both the Zohn Theatre and Branson Library.
The current project anticipates the renovation and expansion of the 51 year old Hershel Zohn Theater, which will be vacated once the new Arts Complex is complete. This project will also partially remodel 53 year old Branson Library to provide adequate and quality space for the Domenici Archives. The IPP will be a 3 Phase construction project:
- Phase I: $9 million federal appropriation will remodel most of Hershel Zohn Theater and portions of the Branson Library
- Phase II:$7 million in STB funding will provide an additional 32,000 square feet of classroom and office space
- Phase III: will address future additional classrooms and library archive enhancements
Issues: Time is NMSU's greatest challenge. The $9 million in federal funds must be expended by September 30, 2014. Such a time constraint dictates that NMSU secure STB funding to act as quickly as possible to design and move forward with a construction effort of an integrated design in the most efficient manner.
Contact: Ricardo Rel, NMSU
rrel@ad.nmsu.edu
575-635-2005
Impact: Creating a business-friendly environment will position Dona Ana
County for decades of economic growth by building on the assets already here. Tax credits will help attract high-tech and high-wage jobs that increase the overall wealth of the county. Expanding the New Mexico Partnership grows private sector business and jobs - increasing state revenues. Reduced regulation will promote growth in local businesses. A combination of tools to build cross-border business will position Dona Ana County as a leading economic engine in the state's economy.
2012 Legislative Issue Fact Sheet
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DOÑA ANA COUNTY LEGISLATIVE COALITION Partnerships for a Stronger Community |
Priority: NMSU-Dona Ana Community College - Gadsden Center Phase 3
Funding Need: $7 million
Description: This project implements the third phase of construction of the Gadsden Center of DACC. The building would be located adjacent to the preceding construction phase of the Center. The facility is anticipated to be about 25,000 square feet and would include classrooms, laboratory space and academic support space. Dona Ana Community College has identified facilities development as a key issue in its Strategic Plan.
DACC is one of the fastest-growing institutions of higher education in New Mexico, located in one of the fastest-growing counties in the state. Significant enrollment growth is expected through the next decade and beyond, both in response to service area growth and two new programs. At present DACC has insufficient classrooms, laboratories and support areas to fulfill its mission. To meet the projected demands for community college services and the anticipated workforce needs in southern Dona Ana County, the physical facilities must be expanded.
Issues: With a ratio of 90 square feet per full time enrolled student in 2010, NMSU-DACC was below the average of I&G square footage for New Mexico community colleges. The 2010 average square feet per full time enrolled student for two-year institutions is 174. In 2010, the Gadsden Center square feet per full time enrolled student was only 64.
Contact: Ricardo Rel, NMSU
rrel@ad.nmsu.edu
575-635-2005
Impact: The Gadsden Center fall semester student headcount grew 51% between the years 2006 and 2011 from 728 to 1,102. It is anticipated that enrollment would continue to increase as a result of the Phase 3 project.
2012 Legislative Issue Fact Sheet
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DOÑA ANA COUNTY LEGISLATIVE COALITION Partnerships for a Stronger Community |
Priority: Funding for Cross-Sector Partnerships
Funding Need: $100,000
Description: Provide $100,000 in non-recurring state funding to support The Bridge of Southern New Mexico to advance its work in Dona Ana County and assist it in playing a supporting role in launching similar Bridge-type initiatives statewide.
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico has become one of the leading public-private partnerships in the state. The Bridge is building collaboration countywide and is leveraging the resources of its group to identify and implement effective, measurable change that connects education, workforce, and economic development. In a short period of time, The Bridge has made a profound impact on both educational outcomes and improved return on investment of educational dollars by:
- Building the partnerships that led to the state's first Early College High School with four more now in planning.
- More than doubling the number of students taking dual credit courses in Dona Ana County, which have been clearly linked to increased graduation rates, persistence into college, and reduced need for remediation in college.
- Supporting the development of a comprehensive mentorship strategy that creates a "community of mentors" to help students pursue educational excellence and become a well-prepared, well-trained future workforce; and
- Creating a model for collaboration and success that is now guiding the state's top leadership in addressing the interconnected issues of education, workforce, and economic development.
Issues: The collaboration of business, economic development, government, and education has led to higher graduation rates and is working towards a stronger workforce and improved economic development for the county and state. Dona Ana County leads the state in aligning these areas, so students graduate high school with the necessary skills to pursue 21st Century careers locally and statewide. Support from the state would advance The Bridge's collaboration-building work, while also seeding programs until they become sustainable components of other programs. State funding will literally "bridge the gap" while sustainable private sector investment is secured.
Contact: Tracey Bryan , The Bridge of Southern New Mexico
tbryan@dacc.nmsu.edu
575-528-7092
Impact: Since the work that led to The Bridge began in 2007, Dona Ana County graduation rates have dramatically increased from 51% in 2008 to 67% in 2009. The resulting economic impact is significant for Dona Ana County. Using national and countywide statistics on graduation, enrollment information from the New Mexico Public Education Department, and income information from the U.S. Census Bureau, Dona Ana County stands to gain much from an increase in graduation rates.
Using Dona Ana County students who started as freshmen in 2009-2010, statistically, we could project for that one class of students:
- $2.1 million to $6.9 million in increased annual incomes, based on educational attainment (high school graduation to college graduation)
- $1.95 million to $6.2 million in increased disposable income flowing through businesses
- Additional Federal Tax Paid Annually of $234,000 to $748,000
- Additional State Tax Paid Annually of $137,000 to $439,000
The success of the state's first Early College High School has also been profound, with enrollment now at 230 students (freshmen and sophomores) and still not one student has dropped out of school. Statistically, 18 freshmen in each of the two classes would likely have dropped out in a traditional environment. Because they have stayed in school and are on track to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate's degree, they will be able to earn $1,036,224 in income annually, or an additional $440,000 more each year than if they had dropped out.
The Bridge is a strong supporter of dual credit courses. Using the number of seniors in Las Cruces Public Schools who took dual credit courses in the Fall of 2010, statistics from the University of New Mexico's Center for Education Policy Research show 91% of them should have graduated, creating annual incomes ranging from $1.6 million to $5 million, depending on their level of educational attainment. And because 65% of students who take dual credit courses don't need remediation, the state saves between $330,000 and $375,000 from that one group of seniors.
Clearly, the link between improved educational outcomes, workforce development, and economic development will lead to a strong, sustainable economic future for Dona Ana County, including an increase in the wealth of its residents. Therefore, it is critical that The Bridge successfully achieve its goals.
2012 Legislative Issue Fact Sheet
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DOÑA ANA COUNTY LEGISLATIVE COALITION Partnerships for a Stronger Community |
Priority: The Bridge - Dual Credit Funding
Funding Need:
Description: Education funding cuts in the past year eliminated funding for dual credit courses taken by 9th and 10th graders. This funding not only needs to be restored, but all higher education institutions that offer dual credit courses need to be adequately funded for the courses to prevent dis-incentivizing use of this very effective tool that has been clearly linked to higher graduation rates, persistence into college, and reduced need for remediation.
Issues: Dual credit courses are a tremendous investment in the long-term educational success of students. According to a recent study by the University of New Mexico's Center for Education Policy Research, data indicated that, of seniors in the class of 2009:
- 91% graduated high school
- 67% enrolled in college the next fall
- 65% did not need remediation (saving $2,000 to $2,500 per student)
When meaningfully integrated into career and technical education pathways, dual credit courses expose students to college early and show them that they can succeed. Dual credit courses can reduce the amount of time it takes for students to graduate with college degrees or career certifications, as well as explore career options, while they are still in high school. Reducing the time to graduation both increases the likelihood that students will graduate college with a degree or certification and also reduces the level of debt incurred by students.
Dual credit funding for 9th and 10th grade students needs to be restored, especially in light of the 100% retention rate in Arrowhead Park Early College High School. The state's first ECHS, which integrates as many as 13 dual credit courses in the first two years of the students' education, is only able to accomplish the goal of a high school diploma and associates degree in four years by using a strong concentration of dual credit courses throughout all four years of the students' curriculum. The Early College High School is the state's most effective and efficient educational delivery system. In the first class, there were no dropouts, the average GPA was 3.167, and all students passed their dual credit courses. As for economic returns, students are educated at 16% less cost per student compared to the cost in a traditional comprehensive high school. Construction is half the cost per square foot of a traditional comprehensive campus. The ECHS also maximizes the assets of the county, including Dona Ana Community College and New Mexico State University.
Currently, four more Early College High School programs are in development for Dona Ana County.
Contact: Tracy Bryan, The Bridge of Southern New Mexico
tbryan@dacc.nmsu.edu
575-528-7092
Impact: Graduation rates and higher levels of educational attainment are closely linked to increased incomes for residents and sustainable economic impacts. The connection between dual credit courses and higher graduation rates and persistence into college is undeniable. The community benefits from this attainment in the long-run when students enter the workforce. High school graduates make $7,500 more annually than high school dropouts, and college graduates make $24,000 more annually on average than a high school dropout. Within the context of the ECHS, the educational model creates a strong pipeline into college and careers for students. Dual credit courses also eliminate the need for remediation, saving the state approximately $250,000 per year. There are currently plans to establish four more programs within the three districts that would serve the needs of local businesses and industry, developing a strong workforce that will foster a more fertile environment for economic development.
2012 Legislative Issue Fact Sheet
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DOÑA ANA COUNTY LEGISLATIVE COALITION Partnerships for a Stronger Community |
Priority: Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce - Armijo House Renovation
Funding Need: $ 50,000
Description: The Chamber plans to make the Historic Armijo House its new home sometime in 2013. The house is in need of major renovation, not just to accommodate the Chamber, but to keep this building - which is on both the state and national historic registries -standing. The building has been vacant for 5 years and is in disrepair.
The plan includes a total historic renovation of the original structure to its original structure. ARG Resources Group, an Architectural and Historical consulting firm, has been retained to research the Architectural history of the building, and to make recommendations for its renovation.
Issues: This building will be the anchor at the south end of Las Cruces' downtown, which is being revitalized.
Also, the building, as noted, is on both the State and National Historic register, and its historic significance cannot be measured.
The walls and foundations are in danger of collapsing, and the roof structure over the main building is also in a state of structural disrepair. The front and side porch decks, columns and roof are also in need of repair/replacement before they fall.
This building is one of the few remaining examples of Victorian Architecture in Las Cruces, after the majority of historic buildings in Downtown Las Cruces were demolished during Urban Renewal from 1964 1970.
The historic importance extends to the original occupants of the residence - the Nestor Armijo family - as they represented a major ranching and business empire in Las Cruces in the late 1870's.
The renovation will be complimented by a 3,200 square foot free standing addition, that will incorporate a courtyard as the unifying element between the two structures.
Contact: Bill Allen, Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
ballen@lascruces.org
575-524-1968
Impact: This project will generate over 35 construction jobs, some of them very technically specialized, to the area.
The Chamber plans to use only local providers who will then be able to recirculate approximately $520,000 of labor costs earned directly back into the community, further helping the small businesses succeed.
In addition, this vacant building, when revitalized, will create an economic generator into the revitalized downtown by way of the Downtown Tax Increment Development District (TIDD), in that the increase in property taxes and gross receipts taxes from the baseline set in 2010 will accrue to the Downtown TIDD income.
This TIDD income will be recirculated directly back into projects in the Downtown Revitalization District, enhancing the economic development engine. This TIDD District generated over $1,600,000 of TIDD income in the first 18 months of its existence.
