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Volume 2, Number 232
January 18, 2008
January 18, 2008
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Special weather information
provided by:
Wendell L. Malone,
Area Skywarn Coordinator
Eddy & Culberson counties
provided by:
Wendell L. Malone,
Area Skywarn Coordinator
Eddy & Culberson counties
| THE WEATHER BOX www.ke5wlm-eddycountyskywarn.blogspot.com Today: Sunny, with a high near 49. North wind between 5 and 10 mph. Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 21. North wind between 5 and 10 mph. Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 46. Northwest wind around 10 mph becoming south. Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 23. South wind around 10 mph. Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 58. South wind between 10 and 15 mph. Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. M.L.King Day: Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. Monday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 21. Tuesday: Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Tuesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 25. Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53. Wednesday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 48. |
| The United States government's national threat level is Elevated, or Yellow. The U.S. threat level is High, or Orange, for all domestic and international flights. Only small amounts of liquids, aerosols and gels are allowed in carry-on baggage. See the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for up-to-date information on items permitted and prohibited on airlines. |
New jobs in NM on the horizon with Fidelity Investments
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson announced Thursday Fidelity
Investments will open a new operations center at Mesa Del Sol, just south
of Albuquerque. The Massachusetts based company plans on bringing
1,250 new good-paying jobs to New Mexico over the next five years.
“I am happy to announce and celebrate yet another economic success
story for the State of New Mexico,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “Fidelity
Investments is bringing its clout as a financial powerhouse to New Mexico
where it will create 1,250 good-paying jobs. We worked hard to find this
opportunity and then to go the extra mile to do everything needed so that
New Mexico would be the definitive choice for Fidelity’s new operations
center.”
Fidelity Investments has reached an agreement with Mesa Del Sol to
occupy on a long-term leased basis, at a new 210,000 square foot facility
that will be constructed on approximately 25 acres.
Their new facility will accommodate the expansion of Fidelity’s Human
Resources Services business. Fidelity will begin establishing operations in
the summer of 2008 at the University of New Mexico-owned Lockheed-
Martin building, which the company will renovate and lease on an interim
basis until the Mesa del Sol facility is completed later this year. At that time,
Fidelity will vacate the Lockheed Martin facility and pass on more than $2
million in infrastructure renovations to UNM for its Student Success Center.
“The human resource services business represents a significant growth
opportunity for Fidelity and our new site in Albuquerque is at the core of our
strategy to compete in this $24 billion industry,” said Pat Goepel, president
of Fidelity HR Services, which is headquartered in Marlborough,
Massachusetts. “We are thrilled by the cooperative effort, which uniquely
positions Fidelity to establish the facility it needs to be a leader in this
industry.”
“The investment in the community that Fidelity is making at the outset is a
strong indicator of the kind of commitment the company has made to being
a community partner for the long-term,” said UNM President David
Schmidly. “Their presence means more jobs for UNM graduates, which will
help us keep our best and brightest right here in New Mexico.”
Fidelity expects to employ approximately 300 people by the end of 2008.
The majority of the jobs will be in customer and client services to support
the payroll, health and welfare, and human resources services.
“Fidelity Investments chose New Mexico because of our pro-business
attitude and dedicated, well-trained workforce,” stated Economic
Development Secretary Designate Fred Mondragón. “These new jobs will
help strengthen the vitality of the local business community and move the
economy forward. Fidelity’s move creates an industry anchor that will
dramatically enhance the opportunities for New Mexicans.”
“Fidelity represents a major commitment from a leading financial services
company that demonstrates great confidence in New Mexico's workforce
and the quality of life provided at Mesa del Sol,” said Michael Daly,
president of Forest City Covington, developer of Mesa del Sol. “Fidelity is
an asset to any community and will now be an important part of the future
for Albuquerque and New Mexico.”
About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Investments is one of the world's largest providers of financial
services, with custodied assets of $3.4 trillion, including managed assets of
more than $1.6 trillion as of November 30, 2007. Fidelity offers investment
management, retirement planning, brokerage, and human resources and
benefits outsourcing services to 24 million individuals and institutions as
well as through 5,500 financial intermediary firms. The firm is the largest
mutual fund company in the United States, the No. 1 provider of workplace
retirement savings plans, the largest mutual fund supermarket and a
leading online brokerage firm. For more information about Fidelity
Investments, visit www.fidelity.com.
Senator Tours Lea County Uranium Enrichment Construction
Site, Plans visit to Carlsbad
HOBBS – Visiting the construction site of the uranium enrichment plant
going up in Lea County, Thursday U.S. Senator Pete Domenici said work
must be done in Washington to ensure the development of a robust
domestic capacity for uranium enrichment to support U.S. nuclear energy
and to continue to promote critical international nonproliferation goals.
Domenici, a leading proponent of nuclear power issues in Congress, today
met with the Urenco board and Louisiana Energy Services (LES)
management committee in Hobbs to review the progress on the nearly $2
billion National Enrichment Facility (NEF) being built near Eunice, N.M.
Following the meeting in Hobbs, the Senator visited the construction site.
Domenici touched on his efforts to raise awareness within Congress and
the administration to work toward agreements that will ensure that a U.S.
uranium enrichment capacity can be expanded and sustained in the
future—a complex challenge that is closely linked to trade and existing
nonproliferation agreements between the United States and Russia.
Currently, 80 percent of U.S. enrichment services are imported, with Russia
providing 42 percent of the supply to U.S. reactors. Russian enriched
uranium is imported pursuant to a groundbreaking U.S.-Russia
nonproliferation agreement to convert excess reserves of highly enriched
uranium (HEU) into commercial nuclear fuel.
“I am excited about the progress being made on the NEF, but I am also
cognizant of a few challenges we face to ensure that this nation can sustain
and maintain its own uranium enrichment capacity. I will be working within
Congress and with the administration this year to advance a
nonproliferation program with the Russians that will maintain incentives for
investments by the U.S. uranium industry in critical infrastructure for the
nuclear fuel cycle.”
“The United States should, for a variety of reasons, have its own uranium
enrichment capabilities, among them our own national security and an
ability to support the use of nuclear energy in this country,” he said. “The
Lea County plant is a vital component of this goal.”
Domenici is concerned that a U.S. Court of International Trade ruling in
November may allow unfettered access to U.S. enrichment markets for
Russian enrichment services. By allowing Russians to resume dumping of
uranium into the U.S. market, the court decision could undermine the HEU
agreement, which Domenici considers one of the most important
nonproliferation achievements of the post-Cold War era.
“I believe we should encourage the Russians to continue to meet the
nonproliferation goals embodied in the HEU agreement by providing access
to the U.S. market so long as a portion of that material is derived from
Russian HEU legacy stockpiles. I believe this would create a stable market
that would not undermine investments to expand the domestic U.S.
enrichment market and make us less dependent on foreign sources,”
Domenici said.
As part of a nonproliferation amendment added last fall to the FY2008
Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, Domenici included “Sense of
Congress” language stating that the United States “shall not sign any
agreement with the Russian Federation on low enriched uranium that does
not include a requirement that a portion of the low enriched uranium be
derived from highly enriched uranium.” That provision was enacted with the
FY2008 omnibus appropriations package in December.
“I believe the administration will support legislative efforts to continue to
encourage the production of low enriched uranium from Russia’s HEU
stockpiles and to maintain a stable environment for the uranium enrichment
investments being made and considered in the United States, including
here in New Mexico,” Domenici said. “I believe we can work with the
Russians to set reasonable parameters for trade in low enriched uranium
and ensure that a portion of the Russian imports are derived from down-
blended weapons-grade material.”
Domenici, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Committee, noted that the committee is considering holding a hearing in
March on the impact of the U.S. Court of International Trade ruling on the
US enrichment market.
Domenici was the leading proponent of a 1998 U.S.-Russia HEU Agreement
to dispose of 500 tons of Russian HEU—enough for an estimated 20,000
weapons—by blending it with natural uranium for use in civilian reactors.
The agreement also involves the down-blending of 175 metric tons of U.S.
HEU. When the program looked in peril of collapsing in late 1998, Domenici
successfully spearheaded an effort to provide $325 million to initiate it.
Domenici was briefed on the NEF construction status. LES currently has
182 employees on the project with a payroll of $14 million. LES has also
expended $68 million with New Mexico companies in support of the project
in 2007.
NEF will use the world’s most advanced, energy-efficient and cost effective
uranium enrichment technology. The facility will allow the U.S. to have a
domestic source of enriched uranium for the country’s commercial nuclear
power plants. Construction is expected to be completed in 2013.
Domenici will join Carlsbad Mayor Bob Forrest and officials from Los
Alamos, the Department of Energy and WIPP to discuss the status and
future of the project. As a disposal site for transuranic waste from defense
activities, the project serves as a model for how the federal government
and local communities can work together to consolidate nuclear waste at a
safe and permanent disposal site.
Long-term future of FLETC in Pete's sights
ARTESIA – In the build-up to the 2009 federal budget season, U.S. Senator
Pete Domenici reviewed progress at the Federal Law Enforcement Training
Center at Artesia and received briefings on the near and long-term needs
at the campus on Wednesday.
Domenici, who has championed FLETC-Artesia since its establishment in
1989, serves on the Senate committees that have appropriations and
authorizing jurisdiction over all FLETC campuses, which are part of the
Department of Homeland Security.
Since FY2006, Domenici has worked to secure more than $70 million for
infrastructure improvements at the Artesia campus—including $1.2 million
for a detention training facility and $2.1 million for a trainee recreation
center in FY2008.
“Making sure the Artesia campus is well-equipped and funded to meet the
training demands Congress is mandating remains a high priority for me as I
begin my last year in Congress,” said Domenici, who in October announced
his retirement.
“The 2009 fiscal process is just beginning, so I want to be here to see first-
hand the growth in Artesia and to get an on-the-ground assessment of what
is still needed here, not just in the next year but on down the road,” he
said. “I have pledged to do everything I can to ensure that FLETC Artesia
remains a pivotal training asset for the federal government.”
While President Bush is expected to roll out his FY2009 budget requests on
Feb. 4, Domenici is also working to develop his appropriations and
legislative priorities for the upcoming year. As such, the veteran lawmaker
is identifying policy and funding needs for FLETC and other projects
around New Mexico.
Domenici, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations
Subcommittee, has enjoyed success in gaining new funding for FLETC
Artesia in recent years, including:
· $45.0 million for two new dormitories (FY2006 and FY2007)
· $3.0 million for an aquatics training facility (FY2006)
· $10.0 million for a firearms multipurpose building (FY2007)
· $8.9 million for a language arts facility (FY2007)
· $1.2 million for a detention training facility (FY2008)
· $2.1 million for a recreation center (FY2008)
During his visit Wednesday, Domenici was briefed on current activities at
FLETC Artesia, including: basic and advanced Border Patrol training;
Federal Air Marshal training; Federal Flight Deck Officer training and
Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement training. He also toured the
campus to assess new and planned construction projects.
Mayor Manuel Madrid remembered for service to Artesia
ARTESIA - Artesia's beloved mayor, Manuel Madrid, died Tuesday at his
home. He was comfortable and surrounded by his family as he passed
from this world into the next, following a prolonged and complicated battle
with leukemia. He was 65 years old.
Madrid was elected by the city council as Artesia's 30th mayor in June 2005
when former Mayor Daniel Reyes was appointed as Division III Magistrate
Judge. He was elected to the office in March 2006.
Prior to that, Madrid served as a city councilor representing District 1 for 15
years, five of which he served as mayor pro tem.
Giving of his time, energy and winning personality wasn't limited to city
government. Madrid served on the Greater Artesia Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors, he served as chairman of the Artesia General Hospital
Advisory Council and served with the Industrial Development Committee,
which was instrumental in bringing the Federal Law Enforcement Training
Center to Artesia. Madrid's longstanding service included a stint as advisor
to Artesia MainStreet as well as serving on the Advisory Council for Our
Lady of Grace Catholic Church. He was a member of the New Mexico
Municipal League as well as a past president, and was active with the
National League of Cities. He served as a member of the New Mexico
Border Authority and was active in the New Mexico Border Health Council.
In 2004, Madrid was appointed to the board of commissioners of the
Regional Housing Authority, Region VI, by Gov. Bill Richardson.
As a native of Artesia with ties to the land, Madrid had a keen insight into
the needs of the community from agriculture to economics. Madrid retired
from Navajo Refining, and brought insight from the oil industry's
perspective. Madrid served in the U.S. Navy and shared a patriot's view
with his friends, family and fellow veterans.
Artesia360 file photo
Madrid served the community with a smile, a twinkle in his eye, an attentive
ear and a sharp mind. He was proactive and forward-thinking, willing to
work hard and ask hard questions for the betterment of the community. He
welcomed visits from his constituents and dealt with their issues judiciously.
He signed innumerable proclamations for community organizations and
proffered sincere praise for their accomplishments. He was always pleased
to recognize city employees for their service and accomplishments. He was
honored to address the public at such events as Veterans' Day and
Memorial Day events. He welcomed Artesia's first graders on their annual
field trip to city hall.
U.S. Senator Pete Domenici issued a statement Tuesday: “I am saddened
by the death of Mayor Madrid. Manuel’s long battle is over, but I believe he
will be remembered for being a strong champion for Artesia. As a long-
time city councilor and then mayor, he dedicated himself to the city and
improving its overall vitality. It has always been a pleasure to work with him,
and I’ll miss our interaction.
“My wife Nancy and I offer Linda and the entire Madrid family our sympathy
and prayers. Manuel had a very evident dedication to Linda, his children
and grandchildren, who will feel his absence most. I hope and pray they,
and all the Mayor’s admirers, will find solace in his life and all of his efforts
on their behalf.”
After receiving the news of Madrid’s passing, Congressman Steve Pearce
released the following statement: “Mayor Madrid was a principled leader
always looking to make things better for the people of Artesia. He took on
the tough issues and became directly involved in ensuring his community
had access to affordable housing, quality education and health care. He
was a dedicated public servant whose contributions will not be forgotten.
“I had the opportunity to become friends with Mayor Madrid during our time
at Leadership New Mexico. I found him to be a passionate advocate for
doing what was right and honorable. Our thoughts and prayers will be with
his family during the difficult time.”
Madrid is survived by his wife Linda; his mother Senaida Madrid; sons
Bryan Madrid, Todd Madrid, and Manuel Madrid, Jr.; a daughter Katrina
Madrid; brothers Santiago Madrid of Espanola, N.M., Joe H. Madrid of
Roswell, N.M., Sammy Madrid of Artesia, and Jerry Madrid of Artesia; sisters
Margaret Soto of Carlsbad, N.M., Martha Marquez of Hobbs, N.M., and Mary
Ann Cano of Edgewood, N.M.; grandchildren Jenelle, Courtnee, Audrey,
Michelle, Daniel, Michael, Marisa, Bryan, Jr., Dominic, Monique, and Nikole;
and great-grandchildren Arianna and Desiray.
He will be missed by his relatives, numerous friends, his city hall family, the
city council, city employees and the citizens of Artesia. But more than
that... he will be remembered.
SANTA FE - Governor Bill Richardson announced Thursday Fidelity
Investments will open a new operations center at Mesa Del Sol, just south
of Albuquerque. The Massachusetts based company plans on bringing
1,250 new good-paying jobs to New Mexico over the next five years.
“I am happy to announce and celebrate yet another economic success
story for the State of New Mexico,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “Fidelity
Investments is bringing its clout as a financial powerhouse to New Mexico
where it will create 1,250 good-paying jobs. We worked hard to find this
opportunity and then to go the extra mile to do everything needed so that
New Mexico would be the definitive choice for Fidelity’s new operations
center.”
Fidelity Investments has reached an agreement with Mesa Del Sol to
occupy on a long-term leased basis, at a new 210,000 square foot facility
that will be constructed on approximately 25 acres.
Their new facility will accommodate the expansion of Fidelity’s Human
Resources Services business. Fidelity will begin establishing operations in
the summer of 2008 at the University of New Mexico-owned Lockheed-
Martin building, which the company will renovate and lease on an interim
basis until the Mesa del Sol facility is completed later this year. At that time,
Fidelity will vacate the Lockheed Martin facility and pass on more than $2
million in infrastructure renovations to UNM for its Student Success Center.
“The human resource services business represents a significant growth
opportunity for Fidelity and our new site in Albuquerque is at the core of our
strategy to compete in this $24 billion industry,” said Pat Goepel, president
of Fidelity HR Services, which is headquartered in Marlborough,
Massachusetts. “We are thrilled by the cooperative effort, which uniquely
positions Fidelity to establish the facility it needs to be a leader in this
industry.”
“The investment in the community that Fidelity is making at the outset is a
strong indicator of the kind of commitment the company has made to being
a community partner for the long-term,” said UNM President David
Schmidly. “Their presence means more jobs for UNM graduates, which will
help us keep our best and brightest right here in New Mexico.”
Fidelity expects to employ approximately 300 people by the end of 2008.
The majority of the jobs will be in customer and client services to support
the payroll, health and welfare, and human resources services.
“Fidelity Investments chose New Mexico because of our pro-business
attitude and dedicated, well-trained workforce,” stated Economic
Development Secretary Designate Fred Mondragón. “These new jobs will
help strengthen the vitality of the local business community and move the
economy forward. Fidelity’s move creates an industry anchor that will
dramatically enhance the opportunities for New Mexicans.”
“Fidelity represents a major commitment from a leading financial services
company that demonstrates great confidence in New Mexico's workforce
and the quality of life provided at Mesa del Sol,” said Michael Daly,
president of Forest City Covington, developer of Mesa del Sol. “Fidelity is
an asset to any community and will now be an important part of the future
for Albuquerque and New Mexico.”
About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Investments is one of the world's largest providers of financial
services, with custodied assets of $3.4 trillion, including managed assets of
more than $1.6 trillion as of November 30, 2007. Fidelity offers investment
management, retirement planning, brokerage, and human resources and
benefits outsourcing services to 24 million individuals and institutions as
well as through 5,500 financial intermediary firms. The firm is the largest
mutual fund company in the United States, the No. 1 provider of workplace
retirement savings plans, the largest mutual fund supermarket and a
leading online brokerage firm. For more information about Fidelity
Investments, visit www.fidelity.com.
Senator Tours Lea County Uranium Enrichment Construction
Site, Plans visit to Carlsbad
HOBBS – Visiting the construction site of the uranium enrichment plant
going up in Lea County, Thursday U.S. Senator Pete Domenici said work
must be done in Washington to ensure the development of a robust
domestic capacity for uranium enrichment to support U.S. nuclear energy
and to continue to promote critical international nonproliferation goals.
Domenici, a leading proponent of nuclear power issues in Congress, today
met with the Urenco board and Louisiana Energy Services (LES)
management committee in Hobbs to review the progress on the nearly $2
billion National Enrichment Facility (NEF) being built near Eunice, N.M.
Following the meeting in Hobbs, the Senator visited the construction site.
Domenici touched on his efforts to raise awareness within Congress and
the administration to work toward agreements that will ensure that a U.S.
uranium enrichment capacity can be expanded and sustained in the
future—a complex challenge that is closely linked to trade and existing
nonproliferation agreements between the United States and Russia.
Currently, 80 percent of U.S. enrichment services are imported, with Russia
providing 42 percent of the supply to U.S. reactors. Russian enriched
uranium is imported pursuant to a groundbreaking U.S.-Russia
nonproliferation agreement to convert excess reserves of highly enriched
uranium (HEU) into commercial nuclear fuel.
“I am excited about the progress being made on the NEF, but I am also
cognizant of a few challenges we face to ensure that this nation can sustain
and maintain its own uranium enrichment capacity. I will be working within
Congress and with the administration this year to advance a
nonproliferation program with the Russians that will maintain incentives for
investments by the U.S. uranium industry in critical infrastructure for the
nuclear fuel cycle.”
“The United States should, for a variety of reasons, have its own uranium
enrichment capabilities, among them our own national security and an
ability to support the use of nuclear energy in this country,” he said. “The
Lea County plant is a vital component of this goal.”
Domenici is concerned that a U.S. Court of International Trade ruling in
November may allow unfettered access to U.S. enrichment markets for
Russian enrichment services. By allowing Russians to resume dumping of
uranium into the U.S. market, the court decision could undermine the HEU
agreement, which Domenici considers one of the most important
nonproliferation achievements of the post-Cold War era.
“I believe we should encourage the Russians to continue to meet the
nonproliferation goals embodied in the HEU agreement by providing access
to the U.S. market so long as a portion of that material is derived from
Russian HEU legacy stockpiles. I believe this would create a stable market
that would not undermine investments to expand the domestic U.S.
enrichment market and make us less dependent on foreign sources,”
Domenici said.
As part of a nonproliferation amendment added last fall to the FY2008
Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill, Domenici included “Sense of
Congress” language stating that the United States “shall not sign any
agreement with the Russian Federation on low enriched uranium that does
not include a requirement that a portion of the low enriched uranium be
derived from highly enriched uranium.” That provision was enacted with the
FY2008 omnibus appropriations package in December.
“I believe the administration will support legislative efforts to continue to
encourage the production of low enriched uranium from Russia’s HEU
stockpiles and to maintain a stable environment for the uranium enrichment
investments being made and considered in the United States, including
here in New Mexico,” Domenici said. “I believe we can work with the
Russians to set reasonable parameters for trade in low enriched uranium
and ensure that a portion of the Russian imports are derived from down-
blended weapons-grade material.”
Domenici, ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Committee, noted that the committee is considering holding a hearing in
March on the impact of the U.S. Court of International Trade ruling on the
US enrichment market.
Domenici was the leading proponent of a 1998 U.S.-Russia HEU Agreement
to dispose of 500 tons of Russian HEU—enough for an estimated 20,000
weapons—by blending it with natural uranium for use in civilian reactors.
The agreement also involves the down-blending of 175 metric tons of U.S.
HEU. When the program looked in peril of collapsing in late 1998, Domenici
successfully spearheaded an effort to provide $325 million to initiate it.
Domenici was briefed on the NEF construction status. LES currently has
182 employees on the project with a payroll of $14 million. LES has also
expended $68 million with New Mexico companies in support of the project
in 2007.
NEF will use the world’s most advanced, energy-efficient and cost effective
uranium enrichment technology. The facility will allow the U.S. to have a
domestic source of enriched uranium for the country’s commercial nuclear
power plants. Construction is expected to be completed in 2013.
Domenici will join Carlsbad Mayor Bob Forrest and officials from Los
Alamos, the Department of Energy and WIPP to discuss the status and
future of the project. As a disposal site for transuranic waste from defense
activities, the project serves as a model for how the federal government
and local communities can work together to consolidate nuclear waste at a
safe and permanent disposal site.
Long-term future of FLETC in Pete's sights
ARTESIA – In the build-up to the 2009 federal budget season, U.S. Senator
Pete Domenici reviewed progress at the Federal Law Enforcement Training
Center at Artesia and received briefings on the near and long-term needs
at the campus on Wednesday.
Domenici, who has championed FLETC-Artesia since its establishment in
1989, serves on the Senate committees that have appropriations and
authorizing jurisdiction over all FLETC campuses, which are part of the
Department of Homeland Security.
Since FY2006, Domenici has worked to secure more than $70 million for
infrastructure improvements at the Artesia campus—including $1.2 million
for a detention training facility and $2.1 million for a trainee recreation
center in FY2008.
“Making sure the Artesia campus is well-equipped and funded to meet the
training demands Congress is mandating remains a high priority for me as I
begin my last year in Congress,” said Domenici, who in October announced
his retirement.
“The 2009 fiscal process is just beginning, so I want to be here to see first-
hand the growth in Artesia and to get an on-the-ground assessment of what
is still needed here, not just in the next year but on down the road,” he
said. “I have pledged to do everything I can to ensure that FLETC Artesia
remains a pivotal training asset for the federal government.”
While President Bush is expected to roll out his FY2009 budget requests on
Feb. 4, Domenici is also working to develop his appropriations and
legislative priorities for the upcoming year. As such, the veteran lawmaker
is identifying policy and funding needs for FLETC and other projects
around New Mexico.
Domenici, a member of the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations
Subcommittee, has enjoyed success in gaining new funding for FLETC
Artesia in recent years, including:
· $45.0 million for two new dormitories (FY2006 and FY2007)
· $3.0 million for an aquatics training facility (FY2006)
· $10.0 million for a firearms multipurpose building (FY2007)
· $8.9 million for a language arts facility (FY2007)
· $1.2 million for a detention training facility (FY2008)
· $2.1 million for a recreation center (FY2008)
During his visit Wednesday, Domenici was briefed on current activities at
FLETC Artesia, including: basic and advanced Border Patrol training;
Federal Air Marshal training; Federal Flight Deck Officer training and
Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement training. He also toured the
campus to assess new and planned construction projects.
Mayor Manuel Madrid remembered for service to Artesia
ARTESIA - Artesia's beloved mayor, Manuel Madrid, died Tuesday at his
home. He was comfortable and surrounded by his family as he passed
from this world into the next, following a prolonged and complicated battle
with leukemia. He was 65 years old.
Madrid was elected by the city council as Artesia's 30th mayor in June 2005
when former Mayor Daniel Reyes was appointed as Division III Magistrate
Judge. He was elected to the office in March 2006.
Prior to that, Madrid served as a city councilor representing District 1 for 15
years, five of which he served as mayor pro tem.
Giving of his time, energy and winning personality wasn't limited to city
government. Madrid served on the Greater Artesia Chamber of Commerce
Board of Directors, he served as chairman of the Artesia General Hospital
Advisory Council and served with the Industrial Development Committee,
which was instrumental in bringing the Federal Law Enforcement Training
Center to Artesia. Madrid's longstanding service included a stint as advisor
to Artesia MainStreet as well as serving on the Advisory Council for Our
Lady of Grace Catholic Church. He was a member of the New Mexico
Municipal League as well as a past president, and was active with the
National League of Cities. He served as a member of the New Mexico
Border Authority and was active in the New Mexico Border Health Council.
In 2004, Madrid was appointed to the board of commissioners of the
Regional Housing Authority, Region VI, by Gov. Bill Richardson.
As a native of Artesia with ties to the land, Madrid had a keen insight into
the needs of the community from agriculture to economics. Madrid retired
from Navajo Refining, and brought insight from the oil industry's
perspective. Madrid served in the U.S. Navy and shared a patriot's view
with his friends, family and fellow veterans.
Artesia360 file photo
Madrid served the community with a smile, a twinkle in his eye, an attentive
ear and a sharp mind. He was proactive and forward-thinking, willing to
work hard and ask hard questions for the betterment of the community. He
welcomed visits from his constituents and dealt with their issues judiciously.
He signed innumerable proclamations for community organizations and
proffered sincere praise for their accomplishments. He was always pleased
to recognize city employees for their service and accomplishments. He was
honored to address the public at such events as Veterans' Day and
Memorial Day events. He welcomed Artesia's first graders on their annual
field trip to city hall.
U.S. Senator Pete Domenici issued a statement Tuesday: “I am saddened
by the death of Mayor Madrid. Manuel’s long battle is over, but I believe he
will be remembered for being a strong champion for Artesia. As a long-
time city councilor and then mayor, he dedicated himself to the city and
improving its overall vitality. It has always been a pleasure to work with him,
and I’ll miss our interaction.
“My wife Nancy and I offer Linda and the entire Madrid family our sympathy
and prayers. Manuel had a very evident dedication to Linda, his children
and grandchildren, who will feel his absence most. I hope and pray they,
and all the Mayor’s admirers, will find solace in his life and all of his efforts
on their behalf.”
After receiving the news of Madrid’s passing, Congressman Steve Pearce
released the following statement: “Mayor Madrid was a principled leader
always looking to make things better for the people of Artesia. He took on
the tough issues and became directly involved in ensuring his community
had access to affordable housing, quality education and health care. He
was a dedicated public servant whose contributions will not be forgotten.
“I had the opportunity to become friends with Mayor Madrid during our time
at Leadership New Mexico. I found him to be a passionate advocate for
doing what was right and honorable. Our thoughts and prayers will be with
his family during the difficult time.”
Madrid is survived by his wife Linda; his mother Senaida Madrid; sons
Bryan Madrid, Todd Madrid, and Manuel Madrid, Jr.; a daughter Katrina
Madrid; brothers Santiago Madrid of Espanola, N.M., Joe H. Madrid of
Roswell, N.M., Sammy Madrid of Artesia, and Jerry Madrid of Artesia; sisters
Margaret Soto of Carlsbad, N.M., Martha Marquez of Hobbs, N.M., and Mary
Ann Cano of Edgewood, N.M.; grandchildren Jenelle, Courtnee, Audrey,
Michelle, Daniel, Michael, Marisa, Bryan, Jr., Dominic, Monique, and Nikole;
and great-grandchildren Arianna and Desiray.
He will be missed by his relatives, numerous friends, his city hall family, the
city council, city employees and the citizens of Artesia. But more than
that... he will be remembered.
Winter energy assistance $$ for NM
ARTESIA – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici
announced Wednesday that New Mexico is
slated to receive over $717,000 in federal
emergency contingency funding, including
$62,100 in tribal set-aside, to help needy
families and seniors afford rapidly escalating
winter energy bills.
Domenici, as a member of the Senate
Appropriations Committee that helps determine
federal funding provisions to support the Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP), supported the inclusion of $2.57
billion in funding for the program as part of the
FY2008 omnibus spending bill. The U.S.
Department of Human Services (HHS) today
announced the distribution of $449 million for
the program, including $780,012 for the state of
New Mexico.
“Higher energy prices have caused drastic
increases in costs associated with heating and
general utilities, which poses big problems for
disadvantaged families and seniors,” said
Domenici. “Many New Mexico residents have
been forced to absorb these costs, causing
undue financial hardship. I’m pleased HHS has
distributed these funds so that qualifying
individuals can begin receiving some level of
relief.”
LIHEAP is a federally-funded program to help
eligible low-income households pay for their
home heating needs.
Individuals wishing to apply for aid through
LIHEAP should contact their local or state
LIHEAP Agency. New Mexico’s program is
managed by the State Human Services
Department, which can be reached at
http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/isd/liheap.html.
For more information on LIHEAP funds, visit
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/.
USAF “Roadmap” Includes NM Bases
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Senators
Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman reviewed the
mission impact of a new Air Force “Roadmap”
that indicates the types of missions and aircraft
that could be deployed at Air Force bases in
New Mexico.
The release of the Air Force Roadmap shows
future potential impacts at Kirtland, Holloman
and Cannon Air Force bases. The Roadmap is
a long-term plan for providing Air Force
capabilities needed to meet future threats to U.
S. national security, and outlines next-
generation weapons systems and potential
installations where those systems might be
based.
The New Mexico lawmakers noted that the plan
outlines potential new New Mexico Air National
Guard missions at Kirtland in Albuquerque,
while reiterating the intent to assign two F-22
Raptor squadrons at Holloman AFB in
Alamogordo. The plan also sheds further light
on aircraft that could be directed to Cannon
AFB at Clovis to support that base’s Air Force
Special Operations Command (AFSOC) mission.
“This plan is a good and early indication of the
Air Force’s intent to utilize New Mexico’s bases
in the future. We are already moving forward
with the AFSOC mission at Cannon and we’re
funding for the F-22s that will be at Holloman. I
am also optimistic about potential new work at
Kirtland,” said Domenici, who serves on the
Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
“This roadmap can be seen as an affirmation of
the assets New Mexico offers the Air Force as it
moves to modernize itself.”
“The Air Force’s ‘Roadmap’ bodes very well for
New Mexico. Not only does it confirm new
missions for Cannon and Holloman, it also
highlights a potential opportunity for Kirtland. It’
s clear to me that the Air Force continues to
value our state and it’s important role in our
security,” Bingaman said.
The following is a review of the general and
potential impacts for New Mexico in the Air
Force Roadmap:
Cannon AFB, Clovis
· MQ-1 Predator (Global Vigilance mission)
· MQ-9 Reaper (Global Power mission)
· CV-22 Osprey (Global Power mission)
Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque
· CSAR-X (Combat Search and Rescue
Helicopter) (Global Power mission)
· F-35A Lightning II (Global Power mission)
Holloman AFB, Alamogordo
· F-22 Raptor (Global Power mission)
The beddown locations in New Mexico and
elsewhere will now be subject to input from
within the Air Force, Air National Guard and
Reserves, as well as further fiscal and
operational analysis. Installations that meet
preliminary objective requirements will then
undergo environmental studies in accordance
with the National Environmental Policy Act.
Congresman Steve Pearce made the following
comments on KLVF-Las Vegas while discussing
the need to maintain a strong national defense
and stay aggressive in the war against radical
jihadists.
"America continues to have the smartest and
strongest fighting force in the world and New
Mexico plays a vital role in our national defense
strategy. The laboratories at Los Alamos and
Sandia as well as our military bases provide
both intellectual and tactical training grounds for
our forces. I feel strongly that we should
continue to support these facilities and the
strategic mission they carry out."
"The war against radical Islamic terrorism is this
generation's great struggle. We must take the
fight to where they are or they will certainly bring
the fight to us. That means ensuring our military
is equipped and prepared and our intelligence
services have the tools they need to intercept
terrorist communications before they can carry
out attacks. This is what we in Congress owe to
the brave men and women out on the frontlines
of the war on terror who protect our freedoms
and our way of life."
Pearce priorities in new session
WASHINGTON – Tuesday, Congressman Steve
Pearce made the following statement on the
new session of Congress and his priorities for
New Mexico:
“I will continue to focus on securing America
through a strong military and border security, an
energy policy that invests in our future, lower
taxes, fiscal responsibility, and new job
creation. A top priority will be ensuring America
remains safe against radical jihadist forces that
seek to attack this country, our allies and our
interests overseas. We must also move toward
an energy policy that makes us less dependant
on foreign energy sources and generates more
clean renewable energy in New Mexico and
America.
“During the last session, the American people
sent a message to Congress saying they are
tired of wasteful spending and demanded their
representatives be responsible stewards of
Americans’ hard-earned taxes. The health of
New Mexico's economy depends on fiscal
responsibility as well as creating incentives and
opportunities for job growth.
“I am looking forward to working with my
colleagues in Congress to achieve these goals.
The new session will bring opportunities to make
New Mexico and the country more free, secure
and prosperous.”
Make this the Year You Become a Blood
Donor
Since 1970, January has been recognized as
National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). To help
ensure an adequate blood supply, the United
Blood Services has joined with AABB (formerly
known as the American Association of Blood
Banks) to stress the importance of donating
blood.
The need for blood is constant, and volunteer
blood donors contribute to nearly all the blood
used for patient care in the United States. If all
who are eligible to donate would do so on a
regular basis (three to four times per year),
blood needs could be met and shortages could
become a thing of the past.
Everyone, whether it is realized or not, depends
on blood. Every two seconds, someone needs
blood. Each day, patients across the country
receive approximately 39,000 units of this
lifesaving resource. This year alone, as many
as five million patients will require blood
transfusions, as accident victims, people
undergoing surgery, and patients receiving
treatment for leukemia, cancer and other
diseases.
People who are interested in becoming blood
donors should contact United Blood Services to
schedule an appointment to donate, or in
Roswell visit United Blood Services at #3 Grand
Avenue Plaza, Roswell, NM 88201 or call 1-888-
676-LIFE (5433) or 575-625-9743.
ARTESIA – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici
announced Wednesday that New Mexico is
slated to receive over $717,000 in federal
emergency contingency funding, including
$62,100 in tribal set-aside, to help needy
families and seniors afford rapidly escalating
winter energy bills.
Domenici, as a member of the Senate
Appropriations Committee that helps determine
federal funding provisions to support the Low
Income Home Energy Assistance Program
(LIHEAP), supported the inclusion of $2.57
billion in funding for the program as part of the
FY2008 omnibus spending bill. The U.S.
Department of Human Services (HHS) today
announced the distribution of $449 million for
the program, including $780,012 for the state of
New Mexico.
“Higher energy prices have caused drastic
increases in costs associated with heating and
general utilities, which poses big problems for
disadvantaged families and seniors,” said
Domenici. “Many New Mexico residents have
been forced to absorb these costs, causing
undue financial hardship. I’m pleased HHS has
distributed these funds so that qualifying
individuals can begin receiving some level of
relief.”
LIHEAP is a federally-funded program to help
eligible low-income households pay for their
home heating needs.
Individuals wishing to apply for aid through
LIHEAP should contact their local or state
LIHEAP Agency. New Mexico’s program is
managed by the State Human Services
Department, which can be reached at
http://www.hsd.state.nm.us/isd/liheap.html.
For more information on LIHEAP funds, visit
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/liheap/.
USAF “Roadmap” Includes NM Bases
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Senators
Pete Domenici and Jeff Bingaman reviewed the
mission impact of a new Air Force “Roadmap”
that indicates the types of missions and aircraft
that could be deployed at Air Force bases in
New Mexico.
The release of the Air Force Roadmap shows
future potential impacts at Kirtland, Holloman
and Cannon Air Force bases. The Roadmap is
a long-term plan for providing Air Force
capabilities needed to meet future threats to U.
S. national security, and outlines next-
generation weapons systems and potential
installations where those systems might be
based.
The New Mexico lawmakers noted that the plan
outlines potential new New Mexico Air National
Guard missions at Kirtland in Albuquerque,
while reiterating the intent to assign two F-22
Raptor squadrons at Holloman AFB in
Alamogordo. The plan also sheds further light
on aircraft that could be directed to Cannon
AFB at Clovis to support that base’s Air Force
Special Operations Command (AFSOC) mission.
“This plan is a good and early indication of the
Air Force’s intent to utilize New Mexico’s bases
in the future. We are already moving forward
with the AFSOC mission at Cannon and we’re
funding for the F-22s that will be at Holloman. I
am also optimistic about potential new work at
Kirtland,” said Domenici, who serves on the
Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
“This roadmap can be seen as an affirmation of
the assets New Mexico offers the Air Force as it
moves to modernize itself.”
“The Air Force’s ‘Roadmap’ bodes very well for
New Mexico. Not only does it confirm new
missions for Cannon and Holloman, it also
highlights a potential opportunity for Kirtland. It’
s clear to me that the Air Force continues to
value our state and it’s important role in our
security,” Bingaman said.
The following is a review of the general and
potential impacts for New Mexico in the Air
Force Roadmap:
Cannon AFB, Clovis
· MQ-1 Predator (Global Vigilance mission)
· MQ-9 Reaper (Global Power mission)
· CV-22 Osprey (Global Power mission)
Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque
· CSAR-X (Combat Search and Rescue
Helicopter) (Global Power mission)
· F-35A Lightning II (Global Power mission)
Holloman AFB, Alamogordo
· F-22 Raptor (Global Power mission)
The beddown locations in New Mexico and
elsewhere will now be subject to input from
within the Air Force, Air National Guard and
Reserves, as well as further fiscal and
operational analysis. Installations that meet
preliminary objective requirements will then
undergo environmental studies in accordance
with the National Environmental Policy Act.
Congresman Steve Pearce made the following
comments on KLVF-Las Vegas while discussing
the need to maintain a strong national defense
and stay aggressive in the war against radical
jihadists.
"America continues to have the smartest and
strongest fighting force in the world and New
Mexico plays a vital role in our national defense
strategy. The laboratories at Los Alamos and
Sandia as well as our military bases provide
both intellectual and tactical training grounds for
our forces. I feel strongly that we should
continue to support these facilities and the
strategic mission they carry out."
"The war against radical Islamic terrorism is this
generation's great struggle. We must take the
fight to where they are or they will certainly bring
the fight to us. That means ensuring our military
is equipped and prepared and our intelligence
services have the tools they need to intercept
terrorist communications before they can carry
out attacks. This is what we in Congress owe to
the brave men and women out on the frontlines
of the war on terror who protect our freedoms
and our way of life."
Pearce priorities in new session
WASHINGTON – Tuesday, Congressman Steve
Pearce made the following statement on the
new session of Congress and his priorities for
New Mexico:
“I will continue to focus on securing America
through a strong military and border security, an
energy policy that invests in our future, lower
taxes, fiscal responsibility, and new job
creation. A top priority will be ensuring America
remains safe against radical jihadist forces that
seek to attack this country, our allies and our
interests overseas. We must also move toward
an energy policy that makes us less dependant
on foreign energy sources and generates more
clean renewable energy in New Mexico and
America.
“During the last session, the American people
sent a message to Congress saying they are
tired of wasteful spending and demanded their
representatives be responsible stewards of
Americans’ hard-earned taxes. The health of
New Mexico's economy depends on fiscal
responsibility as well as creating incentives and
opportunities for job growth.
“I am looking forward to working with my
colleagues in Congress to achieve these goals.
The new session will bring opportunities to make
New Mexico and the country more free, secure
and prosperous.”
Make this the Year You Become a Blood
Donor
Since 1970, January has been recognized as
National Blood Donor Month (NBDM). To help
ensure an adequate blood supply, the United
Blood Services has joined with AABB (formerly
known as the American Association of Blood
Banks) to stress the importance of donating
blood.
The need for blood is constant, and volunteer
blood donors contribute to nearly all the blood
used for patient care in the United States. If all
who are eligible to donate would do so on a
regular basis (three to four times per year),
blood needs could be met and shortages could
become a thing of the past.
Everyone, whether it is realized or not, depends
on blood. Every two seconds, someone needs
blood. Each day, patients across the country
receive approximately 39,000 units of this
lifesaving resource. This year alone, as many
as five million patients will require blood
transfusions, as accident victims, people
undergoing surgery, and patients receiving
treatment for leukemia, cancer and other
diseases.
People who are interested in becoming blood
donors should contact United Blood Services to
schedule an appointment to donate, or in
Roswell visit United Blood Services at #3 Grand
Avenue Plaza, Roswell, NM 88201 or call 1-888-
676-LIFE (5433) or 575-625-9743.
