Contact: Erika Martinez
(505)986-4819
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2013
Bill Endorsed to Clean Up Illegal Dumping on Land Grants State Wide
Santa Fe, NM —The Legislative Land Grant Committee endorsed a bill last week that appropriates over one million dollars to clean up solid waste, liquid waste and hazardous waste on land grants throughout the state. The bill is sponsored State Senator Richard C. Martinez (D- 5- Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Sandoval, Santa Fe).
“Taking care of these historic lands is a priority of ours,” said Sen. Martinez. “We need to assure that those who have inherited and cared for these lands have the proper assistance to preserve and maintain them.”
Land grants were originally made to individuals and communities for the purpose of settlement by the Spanish and Mexican governments. Today many New Mexican ranchers use them to help sustain their herds during the grazing season.
“Land grants are such an important part of New Mexico history and culture. They are still called home by thousands of families who have inherited them,” added Committee Vice Chair and Senator, Jacob Candelaria (D-26-Bernalillo). “By supporting this bill we help to reclaim and preserve this piece of New Mexico’s heritage for future generations.”
Illegal dumping has been an on-going problem for land grants across New Mexico. “We live in a beautiful state,” said Sen. Martinez. “We must take the responsibility to protect what natural beauty we have around us, while respecting the history these lands carry with them.”
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