The New Mexico commission that works to shield the state's military bases from federal realignment and closure would be streamlined under a measure passed by the state Senate.
The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Bill Burt of Alamogordo would trim the commission from 17 to 12 members. It would also ensure members are from those counties that adjoin the bases.
Burt says retaining the missions of military bases is critical to New Mexico's financial future. He points to his own community, saying Holloman Air Force Base has an economic impact of more than $1 million each day.
Burt says it's possible the federal government could realign its bases again in 2017 or 2019.
By shrinking the commission, he says it will be more agile and able to react to what needs to be done to protect the bases.
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