Torres Small Leads Final Push to Protect Public Lands in New Mexico and Nationwide, Introduces Great American Outdoors Act
Las Cruces, N.M. – Today, Representatives Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM), Joe Cunningham (D-SC), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Steve Stivers (R-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), TJ Cox (D-CA), Lee Zeldin (R-NY), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), John Katko (R-NY), Kendra Horn (D-OK), Jared Golden (D-ME), and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) introduced the Great American Outdoors Act, landmark legislation to address the deferred maintenance backlog across the federal land management agencies and to provide mandatory and permanent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The legislation would allocate $12 billion towards deferred maintenance backlog and $900 million for the LWCF to invest in public parks, playgrounds, and access to public lands.
“New Mexico is the Land of Enchantment because of its public lands. They are the backdrop of family gatherings and exploration, a place for respite and healing, and a source of jobs and economic growth. We have a responsibility to protect this land for future generations to enjoy, and I’ve fought for Congress to take action. Today, I’m proud to introduce historic, bipartisan legislation, Great American Outdoors Act, which will fully fund the LWCF and restore public lands across the country,” said Torres Small.
The bipartisan legislation received support from organizations across southern New Mexico:
“This legislation is incredibly important to southern New Mexico families. Full funding for the Land & Water Conservation Fund means more local parks, playgrounds, urban recreational facilities, and access to the outdoors for cities like Las Cruces. Fully funding the nation’s most popular and bipartisan conservation program marks a historic moment that will leave a lasting impact on southern New Mexico,” said Las Cruces City Councilor Gabe Vasquez.
“The Great American Outdoors Act makes a promise to future generations of Southern New Mexicans that they will be able to enjoy the water, wildlife, and land to which we are so deeply connected. This bipartisan legislation is a huge boon to sportsmen, our regional economy, and the conservation of our culture and wildlife, and we look forward to its passage,” said Ray Trejo, southern New Mexico coordinator for the New Mexico Wildlife Federation.
“The Continental Divide Trail in southern New Mexico is exponentially growing in popularity, bringing economic dollars to gateway communities such as Lordsburg and Silver City from visitors from all over the country and the world. Fully funding the Land & Water Conservation Fund and addressing the maintenance backlog in our national forests would create jobs, help create new access points to the Continental Divide Trail, and bring important economic development opportunities to rural New Mexico towns,” said Teresa Martinez, executive director of the Continental Divide Trail Coalition.
“Southeast New Mexico stands to win big from full funding for the Land & Water Conservation Fund and addressing the maintenance backlog in places like Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands National Parks. My business was built on a love for the outdoors, one that I share with locals and visitors alike. By investing in the outdoors, we help create business opportunities, conserve land and wildlife, and create more opportunities for New Mexicans to enjoy our rivers, lakes, forests, and mountains,” said Mark Hollen, owner of Campfire Industries in Carlsbad.
"Doña Ana County and surrounding communities benefit greatly from federal public lands in Southern New Mexico. Full funding for the Land & Water Conservation Fund and addressing the nation's parks and public lands maintenance backlog will help create jobs and more opportunities for access to the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument. Now is the time to invest in our community, local economy, and create more opportunities for southern New Mexicans to get outside,” said Patrick Nolan, executive director of Friends of the Organ Mountains Desert Peaks.
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