N.M. House passes bill to revamp base realignment commission

SANTA FE, N.M. — A bill streamlining the New Mexico commission that works to shield the state's military bases from federal realignment and closure is headed to Gov. Susana Martinez's desk for her signature.

The measure sponsored by Republican Sen. Bill Burt of Alamogordo to trim the commission from 17 to 12 members unanimously passed the House Wednesday, following approval by the Senate last week.

It would also ensure members are from those counties that adjoin the bases.

Burt says retaining the missions of military bases is critical to the state'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.

He says it's possible the federal government could realign its bases again in 2017 or 2019.

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