On the recordFebruary 8, 2011
Madam President, this amendment is simple. It provides for a no-cost, fair-value land exchange between Dona Ana County in southern New Mexico and the adjacent property owners. The Dona Ana County airport in Santa Teresa is a key component for economic growth in the region. Unfortunately, when the land patent was granted to the county in 1982, it was described in aliquot parts. This created several triangles of land that have been difficult to improve because they meet at their corners an do not share common boundaries. The county has requested the land exchange so that they may create a secondary access to the airport for general aviation. This new access would separate general vehicle traffic from taxiing aircraft. The land exchange will also provide an alternate entry to the airport's fuel farm. And it will allow the county to expand airport capabilities to meet the needs of this growing community. This region of New Mexico is growing and the airport needs to be able to expand to meet increased demand. This land exchange will help achieve that goal and will improve the economic opportunities in this region. I hope my colleagues will concur that this amendment should be agreed to. Amendment No. 51
