Commentary: A recent study by Public Sector Consultants (PSC) identified eight assets to economic prosperity. Here is one of them: “multimodal transportation systems that accommodate walkers, bikers, bus/rail passengers, and drivers facilitate economic prosperity and growth.” Many American cities are following that advice and developing multi-modal systems to serve their regions: Salt Lake City, Denver, Minneapolis, Indianapolis, etc. They are reaping huge economic benefits.
Currently, the best economic engine in Doña Ana County is in the Santa Teresa area where both the number of companies and jobs continue to increase. How do we get the rest of Doña Ana County connected to this economic engine?
Recently, the New Mexico Department of Transportation embarked on a needs assessment of the area that includes all transportation modes. The new South Central Regional Transit District (SCRTD) Purple line (Anthony to Sunland Park), with stops in the Santa Teresa area, is especially noted. One part of the report focuses on connecting the El Paso area transit system to the SCRTD Purple Line to bring Texas workers to the Santa Teresa jobs. How do we bring New Mexico workers to those New Mexico jobs? By insisting our county commissioners increase, not cut, funding for our Purple Line. That investment promises a high rate of return on investment and is our best link to a more prosperous economic future.