EXECUTIVE ORDER 2005-040

DECLARING A DISASTER IN HIDALGO, LUNA, DONA ANA, AND GRANT COUNTIES DUE TO BORDER SECURITY CONCERNS

WHEREAS, the Southern border of New Mexico has been devastated by the ravages and terror of human smuggling, drug smuggling, kidnapping, murder, destruction of property and the death of livestock;

WHEREAS, the border separating the State of New Mexico and the Country of Mexico is in an extreme state of disrepair and is inadequately funded or safeguarded to protect the lives and property of New Mexican citizens;

WHEREAS, State and local law enforcement officials have utilized all available resources to combat border security concerns, but these efforts have not alleviated this emergency or prevented the loss of life or destruction of property;

WHEREAS, this situation constitutes an emergency condition with potentially catastrophic consequences.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bill Richardson, Governor of the State of New Mexico, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the State of New Mexico do hereby declare an emergency condition exists in the counties of Hidalgo, Luna, Dona Ana, and Grant due to a lack of security on New Mexico\'s Southern border with the Country of Mexico.

I FURTHER DIRECT the Department of Finance and Administration to provide emergency financial resources in the amount of $750,000 to the Department of Public Safety, under the direction of the Governor\'s Office of Homeland Security and the Governor\'s authorized representative. The Department of Public Safety is directed to coordinate all requests for assistance and responses to such requests under the authority of and as determined by the Governor or his Authorized Representative pursuant to and in accordance with Sections 6-7-1 through 6-7-3 NMSA 1978.

I FURTHER DIRECT all Cabinet Departments and agencies of the State of New Mexico to provide any assistance that may be requested by the Department of Public Safety or the Governor\'s Office of Homeland Security subject to approval by the Governor’s Authorized Representative.
 

THIS ORDER supersedes any other previous orders, proclamations, or directives in conflict. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until such time as the Governor rescinds it.

DONE AT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE THIS
12TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2005

BILL RICHARDSON
GOVERNOR
http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press.php?id=119