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NEWS:
Volume 3, Number 93
June 13, 2008
June 13, 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.eddycountyskywarn.blogspot.com Isolated thunderstorms will be possible this afternoon and evening, mainly in and near the Davis Mountains and Stockton Plateau. Occasional lightning and gusty winds are possible with any of these storms. Today: Sunny and hot, with a high near 100. North wind between 10 and 15 mph. Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. East wind between 5 and 10 mph becoming calm. Saturday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 100. Calm wind becoming south between 10 and 15 mph. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind between 15 and 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Sunday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. South wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Sunday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Monday: Sunny and hot, with a high near 102. Monday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 103. Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Wednesday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 101. |
| 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. |
PILT awards millions to NM
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Wednesday announced that
New Mexico counties have again received the largest award under the
federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program for FY2008, with 32
counties to share more than $22.4 million.
Domenici, who serves on the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee
that funds PILT, reported that New Mexico’s FY2008 award—while the
largest in the nation—is again slightly lower than $22.7 million the state
received last year.
“I like the PILT program, and our counties like PILT payments. They rely on
them as an important source of income to support basic needs and
services,” Domenici said. “I am disappointed that PILT payments continue
to slide some, and am dedicated to ensuring the health of this program. It
is only fair that our counties be compensated for all the federal land
ownership within their borders.”
The top five New Mexico counties receiving the largest PILT payments
include: Eddy, $1.88 million; Otero, $1.86 million; Chaves, $1.69 million;
Doña Ana, $1.68 million; and Rio Arriba, $1.57 million. Only Curry County
does not receive PILT funding because there is no eligible federal land
within its borders.
PILT payments are intended to help counties and local governments make
up for revenues they lose on tax-exempt federal lands. The Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) bases PILT awards on tax-exempt federal land
within state jurisdiction. The federal government owns at least 33 percent
of the land in New Mexico.
New Mexico’s $22.4 million award led all other states in FY2008, with
California receiving $20.7 million, Utah gaining $20.0 million and Arizona
getting $19.0 million. New Mexico, with more than 22.5 million acres of
federal entitlement lands, has traditionally received the highest payment of
all 50 states and territories. This year $228.5 million was distributed.
Domenici has stated his opposition to the Bush administration budget
request to only provide $195 million for PILT next year. Instead, he has
requested $267.0 million for PILT in FY2009, which is $34 million more than
the $228.9 million provided by Congress last year.
Over the years, Domenici has successfully worked to increase funding for
the PILT program, which was created in 1976.
PILT funds are paid in addition to revenue from oil and gas leases and
sales of minerals, timber and other materials to compensate for certain tax-
exempt federal lands. Payments are made directly to local governments,
usually counties, in areas with substantial acreage of federal lands like
national forests, national parks, national wildlife refuges, lands used for
federal water programs, some military installations, and lands managed by
the BLM.
Tips for smoother border crossings
EL PASO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in El Paso are
providing border crossers several tips they may consider employing to
expedite their border crossing experience during the coming summer
months. These steps can help them cross the border quickly, safely and
without incident.
“Most area schools are now on summer vacation. As a result, we expect to
see some people who don’t regularly cross the border arrive at our
facilities,” said Arthur Gonzales, U.S. Customs and Border Protection acting
port director El Paso. “If the public adopts some of our tips, we believe we
can keep traffic moving while ensuring that our anti-terror mission and other
enforcement concerns are properly addressed.”
One of the most important changes from last summer is the implementation
of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative at land border crossings. Since
January 31, U.S. and Canadian citizens arriving for an inspection must
present documents to support their citizenship claims. Oral declarations are
no longer permitted. Individuals must present a valid passport to enter the
U.S. If individuals have not yet obtained a passport, CBP will accept a
government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship during this current
transition period. A limited number of documents also meet WHTI
requirements. More WHTI info can be found on CBP.gov.
In addition to having the proper documents, travelers should prepare for
the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Individuals
should have their crossing documents available for the inspection and they
should be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad. In addition,
individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the
inspection booth.
Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they
cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic like weekends when the
annual Juarez Fair is being held. This includes Dedicated Commuter Lane
users. CBP is also reminding travelers that the DCL service hours were
recently expanded at both DCL locations, making the DCL program an
attractive option for any border crosser.
Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go”
section of the CBP website to avoid fines and penalties associated with the
importation of prohibited items. ( Know Before You Go ) “Know Before You
Go” brochures are also available at border ports.
Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP website site to
monitor border wait times. ( CBP Border Wait Times ) Information is
updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light
use/short waits. In addition to vehicle lanes, border crossing information on
select pedestrian crossing sites is also listed including El Paso’s Paso Del
Norte international crossing.
During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider
alternative entry routes. For example, border crossers may want to use the
nearby and less heavily traveled Fabens or Santa Teresa ports of entry
instead of the El Paso port.
Visit the port of entry to obtain I-94 travel documents in advance of the
busiest holiday travel periods (4th of July, Labor Day, etc). This will allow
travelers who require I-94 documents (those planning to travel beyond the
border zone or stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days) to bypass those
lines when they formally enter the U.S. They will still be subject to the
inspection process.
Regarding I-94’s, travelers should not attempt to obtain this document at
the Paso Del Norte crossing. Because of an ongoing $26 million renovation
project, space is limited and travelers would be better served by obtaining
this document at an alternate crossing point.
Drivers should ensure that the vehicles they use to cross the border are
properly maintained and mechanically sound and that occupants avoid
riding in areas of vehicles not specifically designed to carry passengers.
Failure to follow these steps can expose crossers/passengers to carbon
monoxide. Keeping a close eye on the exceptionally young and old
members of your traveling party is also important as summer temperatures
often exceed 100 degrees in many border communities.
CBP officials continually monitor traffic and border crossing times and will
employ various traffic management operations to maintain the flow of traffic
during periods of exceptionally heavy usage.
The principal mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is anti-
terrorism. CBP officers at border ports of entry are committed to identifying
and stopping terrorists and the tools of terror. As a result, border crossers
should continue to expect a thorough inspection process when they enter
the U.S. from Mexico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the
Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control
and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of
entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of
the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Pete Domenici Wednesday announced that
New Mexico counties have again received the largest award under the
federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program for FY2008, with 32
counties to share more than $22.4 million.
Domenici, who serves on the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee
that funds PILT, reported that New Mexico’s FY2008 award—while the
largest in the nation—is again slightly lower than $22.7 million the state
received last year.
“I like the PILT program, and our counties like PILT payments. They rely on
them as an important source of income to support basic needs and
services,” Domenici said. “I am disappointed that PILT payments continue
to slide some, and am dedicated to ensuring the health of this program. It
is only fair that our counties be compensated for all the federal land
ownership within their borders.”
The top five New Mexico counties receiving the largest PILT payments
include: Eddy, $1.88 million; Otero, $1.86 million; Chaves, $1.69 million;
Doña Ana, $1.68 million; and Rio Arriba, $1.57 million. Only Curry County
does not receive PILT funding because there is no eligible federal land
within its borders.
PILT payments are intended to help counties and local governments make
up for revenues they lose on tax-exempt federal lands. The Bureau of
Land Management (BLM) bases PILT awards on tax-exempt federal land
within state jurisdiction. The federal government owns at least 33 percent
of the land in New Mexico.
New Mexico’s $22.4 million award led all other states in FY2008, with
California receiving $20.7 million, Utah gaining $20.0 million and Arizona
getting $19.0 million. New Mexico, with more than 22.5 million acres of
federal entitlement lands, has traditionally received the highest payment of
all 50 states and territories. This year $228.5 million was distributed.
Domenici has stated his opposition to the Bush administration budget
request to only provide $195 million for PILT next year. Instead, he has
requested $267.0 million for PILT in FY2009, which is $34 million more than
the $228.9 million provided by Congress last year.
Over the years, Domenici has successfully worked to increase funding for
the PILT program, which was created in 1976.
PILT funds are paid in addition to revenue from oil and gas leases and
sales of minerals, timber and other materials to compensate for certain tax-
exempt federal lands. Payments are made directly to local governments,
usually counties, in areas with substantial acreage of federal lands like
national forests, national parks, national wildlife refuges, lands used for
federal water programs, some military installations, and lands managed by
the BLM.
Tips for smoother border crossings
EL PASO – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials in El Paso are
providing border crossers several tips they may consider employing to
expedite their border crossing experience during the coming summer
months. These steps can help them cross the border quickly, safely and
without incident.
“Most area schools are now on summer vacation. As a result, we expect to
see some people who don’t regularly cross the border arrive at our
facilities,” said Arthur Gonzales, U.S. Customs and Border Protection acting
port director El Paso. “If the public adopts some of our tips, we believe we
can keep traffic moving while ensuring that our anti-terror mission and other
enforcement concerns are properly addressed.”
One of the most important changes from last summer is the implementation
of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative at land border crossings. Since
January 31, U.S. and Canadian citizens arriving for an inspection must
present documents to support their citizenship claims. Oral declarations are
no longer permitted. Individuals must present a valid passport to enter the
U.S. If individuals have not yet obtained a passport, CBP will accept a
government issued photo ID and proof of citizenship during this current
transition period. A limited number of documents also meet WHTI
requirements. More WHTI info can be found on CBP.gov.
In addition to having the proper documents, travelers should prepare for
the inspection process before arriving at the inspection booth. Individuals
should have their crossing documents available for the inspection and they
should be prepared to declare all items acquired abroad. In addition,
individuals should end cellular phone conversations before arriving at the
inspection booth.
Travelers should plan to build extra time into their trips in the event they
cross during periods of exceptionally heavy traffic like weekends when the
annual Juarez Fair is being held. This includes Dedicated Commuter Lane
users. CBP is also reminding travelers that the DCL service hours were
recently expanded at both DCL locations, making the DCL program an
attractive option for any border crosser.
Travelers should familiarize themselves with the “Know Before You Go”
section of the CBP website to avoid fines and penalties associated with the
importation of prohibited items. ( Know Before You Go ) “Know Before You
Go” brochures are also available at border ports.
Members of the traveling public should consult the CBP website site to
monitor border wait times. ( CBP Border Wait Times ) Information is
updated hourly and is useful in planning trips and identifying periods of light
use/short waits. In addition to vehicle lanes, border crossing information on
select pedestrian crossing sites is also listed including El Paso’s Paso Del
Norte international crossing.
During periods of heavy travel, border crossers may wish to consider
alternative entry routes. For example, border crossers may want to use the
nearby and less heavily traveled Fabens or Santa Teresa ports of entry
instead of the El Paso port.
Visit the port of entry to obtain I-94 travel documents in advance of the
busiest holiday travel periods (4th of July, Labor Day, etc). This will allow
travelers who require I-94 documents (those planning to travel beyond the
border zone or stay in the U.S. for more than 30 days) to bypass those
lines when they formally enter the U.S. They will still be subject to the
inspection process.
Regarding I-94’s, travelers should not attempt to obtain this document at
the Paso Del Norte crossing. Because of an ongoing $26 million renovation
project, space is limited and travelers would be better served by obtaining
this document at an alternate crossing point.
Drivers should ensure that the vehicles they use to cross the border are
properly maintained and mechanically sound and that occupants avoid
riding in areas of vehicles not specifically designed to carry passengers.
Failure to follow these steps can expose crossers/passengers to carbon
monoxide. Keeping a close eye on the exceptionally young and old
members of your traveling party is also important as summer temperatures
often exceed 100 degrees in many border communities.
CBP officials continually monitor traffic and border crossing times and will
employ various traffic management operations to maintain the flow of traffic
during periods of exceptionally heavy usage.
The principal mission of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is anti-
terrorism. CBP officers at border ports of entry are committed to identifying
and stopping terrorists and the tools of terror. As a result, border crossers
should continue to expect a thorough inspection process when they enter
the U.S. from Mexico.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the
Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control
and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of
entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of
the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
ENMU alumni concert
PORTALES—The Eastern New Mexico
University Alumni Band will meet from June 19–
21 and present a free concert at 7 p.m. on
Saturday, June 21, at 7 p.m. in the Campus
Union Ballroom in Portales.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the
founding of the ENMU Alumni Band. The
ensemble was founded to allow alumni the
opportunity to make music together following
graduation, enhance their friendships with one
another, preserve their bond to the institution,
and recognize the significant impact of their
mentor and director, Floren Thompson Jr.,
Director of Bands Emeritus.
The ENMU Band Alumni Reunion has been held
every two years since 1988, according to Jane
Henry, secretary of the Alumni Band Board of
Directors.
"It’s a lot of fun to rehearse under the capable
direction of Dustin Seifert for two days and
present a concert. We have former ENMU band
students coming from Arizona, California,
Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania,
Texas and New Mexico. For some of us it will be
the last chance to see the Music Building before
it is remodeled with the addition of a new band
hall. In looking in the archives we found the
Music Building opened in 1957 at a cost of
$500,000.00—over budget, of course, from
$379,000," she said.
Transformers sequel in Alamogordo
ALAMOGORDO - Governor Bill Richardson
Monday announced DreamWorks Pictures,
Paramount Pictures and director Michael Bay
will return to New Mexico to film major
sequences for Transformers: Revenge of the
Fallen. The next installment of the box office hit
Transformers is expected to hit theaters next
summer.
“Transformers was a huge success and I am
pleased that Dream Works, Paramount Pictures
and Michael Bay have decided to return to New
Mexico to film the second installment,” said
Governor Richardson.
The first film, starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese
Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Megan Fox and John
Turturro, grossed more than $700 million
worldwide.
The current production has been prepping in
Alamogordo since April and expects to begin
filming in the fall.
Since Governor Richardson took office, over 95
major feature film and television projects have
shot in the state, adding over $1.6 billion dollars
to New Mexico's economy.
UNM wins EPA recognition
The University of New Mexico has won an
Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
award from the Environmental Protection
Agency for reducing its energy use by 20
percent.
CHP, also referred to as cogeneration, is an
efficient, clean, and reliable approach to
generating power and thermal energy from a
single fuel source. By installing a CHP system, a
facility can increase operational efficiency and
decrease energy costs, while reducing air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Whether at home or at work, being energy-
efficient is a smart environmental and economic
strategy,” said EPA Regional Administrator
Richard E. Greene. “EPA is pleased to
recognize committed organizations like the
University of New Mexico that are making CHP
and other green technologies a fundamental
part of how they do business.”
EPA recognized the university for its natural gas-
fired CHP system at the Ford Utilities Center.
Part of a major energy infrastructure upgrade
project, the CHP system supplies the campus
with roughly one-third of its total electricity
demand and produces steam to help meet the
space heating, space cooling, and domestic hot
water production needs of more than 25,000
students, staff, and faculty. The CHP system
runs with an operating efficiency of almost 65
percent and requires 20 percent less fuel than
typical alternatives.
In addition to the University of New Mexico, EPA
recognized two other CHP award winners: the
Calpine Columbia Energy Center in Gaston,
South Carolina, and the Verizon Garden City
Fuel Cell Project in Garden City, New York.
Since 1999, EPA has given the Energy Star
CHP Award to recognize organizations and
institutions that install exceptionally efficient
CHP systems. EPA's CHP Partnership seeks to
reduce the environmental impact of power
generation. EPA works closely with energy
users, the CHP industry, state and local
governments, and other stakeholders to support
the development of new projects that have
significant energy, environmental, and economic
benefits. The program plays a vital role in
efforts to achieve a collaborative, public-private
goal of doubling the capacity of CHP in the
United States to 92 gigawatts (GW) by 2010.
Additional information about CHP, the Energy
Star CHP Award, and the EPA CHP Partnership
is available at http://www.epa.gov/chp.
PORTALES—The Eastern New Mexico
University Alumni Band will meet from June 19–
21 and present a free concert at 7 p.m. on
Saturday, June 21, at 7 p.m. in the Campus
Union Ballroom in Portales.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the
founding of the ENMU Alumni Band. The
ensemble was founded to allow alumni the
opportunity to make music together following
graduation, enhance their friendships with one
another, preserve their bond to the institution,
and recognize the significant impact of their
mentor and director, Floren Thompson Jr.,
Director of Bands Emeritus.
The ENMU Band Alumni Reunion has been held
every two years since 1988, according to Jane
Henry, secretary of the Alumni Band Board of
Directors.
"It’s a lot of fun to rehearse under the capable
direction of Dustin Seifert for two days and
present a concert. We have former ENMU band
students coming from Arizona, California,
Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania,
Texas and New Mexico. For some of us it will be
the last chance to see the Music Building before
it is remodeled with the addition of a new band
hall. In looking in the archives we found the
Music Building opened in 1957 at a cost of
$500,000.00—over budget, of course, from
$379,000," she said.
Transformers sequel in Alamogordo
ALAMOGORDO - Governor Bill Richardson
Monday announced DreamWorks Pictures,
Paramount Pictures and director Michael Bay
will return to New Mexico to film major
sequences for Transformers: Revenge of the
Fallen. The next installment of the box office hit
Transformers is expected to hit theaters next
summer.
“Transformers was a huge success and I am
pleased that Dream Works, Paramount Pictures
and Michael Bay have decided to return to New
Mexico to film the second installment,” said
Governor Richardson.
The first film, starring Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese
Gibson, Josh Duhamel, Megan Fox and John
Turturro, grossed more than $700 million
worldwide.
The current production has been prepping in
Alamogordo since April and expects to begin
filming in the fall.
Since Governor Richardson took office, over 95
major feature film and television projects have
shot in the state, adding over $1.6 billion dollars
to New Mexico's economy.
UNM wins EPA recognition
The University of New Mexico has won an
Energy Star Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
award from the Environmental Protection
Agency for reducing its energy use by 20
percent.
CHP, also referred to as cogeneration, is an
efficient, clean, and reliable approach to
generating power and thermal energy from a
single fuel source. By installing a CHP system, a
facility can increase operational efficiency and
decrease energy costs, while reducing air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Whether at home or at work, being energy-
efficient is a smart environmental and economic
strategy,” said EPA Regional Administrator
Richard E. Greene. “EPA is pleased to
recognize committed organizations like the
University of New Mexico that are making CHP
and other green technologies a fundamental
part of how they do business.”
EPA recognized the university for its natural gas-
fired CHP system at the Ford Utilities Center.
Part of a major energy infrastructure upgrade
project, the CHP system supplies the campus
with roughly one-third of its total electricity
demand and produces steam to help meet the
space heating, space cooling, and domestic hot
water production needs of more than 25,000
students, staff, and faculty. The CHP system
runs with an operating efficiency of almost 65
percent and requires 20 percent less fuel than
typical alternatives.
In addition to the University of New Mexico, EPA
recognized two other CHP award winners: the
Calpine Columbia Energy Center in Gaston,
South Carolina, and the Verizon Garden City
Fuel Cell Project in Garden City, New York.
Since 1999, EPA has given the Energy Star
CHP Award to recognize organizations and
institutions that install exceptionally efficient
CHP systems. EPA's CHP Partnership seeks to
reduce the environmental impact of power
generation. EPA works closely with energy
users, the CHP industry, state and local
governments, and other stakeholders to support
the development of new projects that have
significant energy, environmental, and economic
benefits. The program plays a vital role in
efforts to achieve a collaborative, public-private
goal of doubling the capacity of CHP in the
United States to 92 gigawatts (GW) by 2010.
Additional information about CHP, the Energy
Star CHP Award, and the EPA CHP Partnership
is available at http://www.epa.gov/chp.