HOUSE MEMORIAL 74

50th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2012

INTRODUCED BY

Jim W. Hall

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE CITY AND COUNTY OF SANTA FE ENSURE THAT SUFFICIENT WATER IS RELEASED INTO THE SANTA FE RIVER TO SUPPORT TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURE AROUND LA BAJADA AND LA CIENEGA.

     WHEREAS, residents of the areas around La Bajada and La Cienega in Santa Fe county have practiced traditional irrigated agriculture for generations; and

     WHEREAS, these areas were once known as the "breadbasket of New Mexico"; and

     WHEREAS, these communities are among the oldest settlements in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, residents of these communities continue to maintain their lands and customs by wise and productive use of their land and water resources; and

     WHEREAS, maintaining the heritage of these communities is important for retaining the diversity of people and cultures that truly makes Santa Fe unique; and

     WHEREAS, the waters of the Santa Fe river are critical for the agriculture of these communities;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the city of Santa Fe and the county of Santa Fe work together to ensure that sufficient water is released into the Santa Fe river to support traditional agriculture in the areas of La Bajada and La Cienega; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the Santa Fe city council and the Santa Fe county board of county commissioners.

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