(LAS CRUCES, NM) The Southern New Mexico – El Paso, Texas region is unique among defense communities in the U.S. due to its physical size, natural and recreational resources, diverse land uses and growth opportunities, and the value of its military training and testing environment. The purpose of the Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) is to create a long-term planning partnership that balances and builds on these strengths by protecting safety and quality of life in local communities and enhancing the military missions of the area. The study will emphasize ways to promote coordination, maintain the positive economic impact of the installations, and preserve critical civilian and Department of Defense investments. The study began in December 2012 and is now gathering information on existing conditions.
The JLUS is a cooperative process among state, county, and local governments; the public; and Fort Bliss, Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range. The study examines land use, growth trends, and civilian and military activities in a region of 7,600 square miles that spans two states and hosts a diverse range of critical military operations. 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, including Las Cruces, Chaparral, Alamogordo, Truth or Consequences, Carrizozo, Ruidoso, Socorro, and the City of El Paso.
Participation and feedback from residents is critical to the success of the JLUS and in helping study partners to understand priorities and concerns in the communities around the three installations.
The Policy Committee, which oversees the JLUS, consists of local elected officials from cities and counties, as well as senior Air Force and Army leadership and representatives from federal and state entities. The Policy Committee will hold a meeting on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at the Dona Ana County Government Center at 845 N. Motel Boulevard in Las Cruces. The purpose of the meeting is to review project status, public outreach and initial study findings. The meeting begins at 10:00 a.m. Public comments will be accepted. If you would like additional information, please contact Daniel Hortert at 575-525-6113 or at danielho@donaanacounty.org.