By KRWG News
New Mexico – Gov. Susana Martinez is sending an additional 300 National Guard troops and airmen to help restore natural gas service to thousands of residents in northern New Mexico.
The troops will be joined by 44 Albuquerque police officers and 15 state police officers. Firefighters from Albuquerque are also on stand-by for deployment Tuesday if necessary.
Residents and business owners in the Taos and Espanola areas have been without natural gas service since last week, and more winter weather is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The governor's office says the additional personnel will be trained to turn on gas meters and will be paired with a gas company technician or plumber who is licensed to relight heaters and other appliances. The crews are expected to work around the clock to restore service.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.