SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 91

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2005

INTRODUCED BY

John Pinto

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS PROVIDE FUNDING TO THE NAVAJO NATION FOR A PUBLIC SAFETY COMPLEX FOR THE COMMUNITIES OF CROWNPOINT AND SHIPROCK.

     WHEREAS, the Navajo Nation communities of Crownpoint and Shiprock are facing the imminent closure of their only criminal detention facility due to age and severe structural damage; and

     WHEREAS, the crime rate within the Navajo Nation is serious and there is only one law enforcement officer per four thousand residents compared with the national average of one officer per one thousand residents; and

     WHEREAS, the inability to confine criminals is a tremendous hindrance to protecting the safety and welfare of members of the Navajo Nation and visitors; and

     WHEREAS, previous testimony presented before the United States congress on the dire need for new detention facilities has had no impact;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the United States congress be urged to assist the Navajo Nation by providing the necessary thirty-four million two hundred thousand dollars ($34,200,000) for planning and construction of a public safety complex for the communities of Crownpoint and Shiprock; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.

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