Doña Ana County and Otero County will host a public meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2014, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Betty McKnight Community Center at 190 S. County Line Dr., in Chaparral, NM. The purpose of the meeting is to share information with the public on the results of the ongoing Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) for Fort Bliss, Holloman Air Force Base, and White Sands Missile Range and surrounding communities, and to gather input from residents on recommended compatibility strategies. The draft JLUS report is also available at http://snmepjointlanduse.com.
The Southern New Mexico/El Paso, Texas region is unique among defense communities because of its size; natural, cultural, and recreational resources; growth opportunities; and the value of its military training and testing environment. The JLUS seeks to create a long-term planning partnership that balances and builds on these strengths by protecting the quality of life in local communities and enhancing the military missions associated with the three military installations. The study emphasizes ways to promote coordination and land use compatibility; understand the economic impact of the installations; and preserve critical civilian and Department of Defense capabilities.
The JLUS examined various compatibility factors, including aviation and range noise, airspace, safety, renewable energy, and frequency spectrum management. The study began in December 2012 and is now in the draft recommendations phase. As a next step in the process, the JLUS Policy Committee will meet to consider report findings.
The study area consists of Doña Ana, Lincoln, Otero, Sierra, and Socorro Counties in New Mexico and El Paso County in Texas, as well as communities throughout the six counties.
For additional information, visit the website at http://snmepjointlanduse.com or contact Daniel Hortert at (575) 525-6113 or by email at danielho@donaanacounty.org.
Information from Dona Ana County