SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico would create a special division focused on outdoor recreation within the state economic development department under a measure pending in the Legislature.
The New Mexico Senate unanimously approved the bill Monday, as lawmakers prepare to wrap up the session at the end of the week. The measure would need House approval before noon Saturday.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham says New Mexico has some of the greatest outdoor opportunities in the West and the proposed office could attract new businesses and residents who hold access to the outdoors as a key factor in choosing where they live.
Lujan Grisham said it could also build new opportunities for disadvantaged youth to experience the outdoors and help communities apply for funding opportunities to further develop the state's outdoor recreation infrastructure.