A bill to improve telecom infrastructure in border communities has cleared its first legislative hurdle in the New Mexico Legislature, reports KRQE-TV. SB 51 would set aside $3 million to build cell and communications towers in Luna, Hidalgo, and Doña Ana counties. The bill’s sponsor, State Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte), said those areas struggle with reliable service even during emergencies.
One rancher described a recent challenge he had after he found a border crosser passed out along a highway. “We came up to the group and we were unable to call out and get any medical help for this person. So we actually had to backtrack several miles to our house to get on a landline so we could get some aid to this person.”
The New Mexico Legislature’s Senate Tax, Business, and Transportation Committee approved the bill last Tuesday. It now heads to the Senate Finance Committee.
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