Senator asking governor for restriction amendments

The pandemic has resulted in halting one of the fastest growing parts of New Mexico’s economy — the outdoor recreation industry.

A New Mexico senator is asking Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to amend some restrictions in her public health order and let the visitors return.

“While we must continue to protect our communities from the spread of COVID-19, other states have demonstrated that this can be achieved in a way that still permits safe and smart tourism.” Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, wrote in a July 30 letter to the governor.

Heinrich urged the governor to review alternative pathways other states have proven to be successful for their tourism industries. That includes allowing out-of-state visitors to forgo a 14-day quarantine if they have received a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours before their arrival.

“Amending restrictions for visitors at our state parks will reignite local economies, create new jobs, and provide an urgently needed stimulus to New Mexico’s hospitality, tourism, and outdoor recreation industries,” Heinrich stated in the letter.

State Sen. Pat Woods, R-Broadview, said he agrees with the sentiments in Heinrich’s letter.

“We live in eastern New Mexico. Think about how many drive across the border every day. It’s very common for us to have Texas visitors in our towns. Many people come here to work from Texas and many people from here go over there. It’s not feasible to stop that travel between the two states,” Woods said.

While the flow of commerce in eastern New Mexico in many ways relies on its neighboring state, Woods said the tourism industry in central New Mexico is also fueled by visitors from all over.

“Why would you come to New Mexico to stay in a hotel for a week? You wouldn’t. I support old Heinrich on this one,” Woods said.

The governor said during her news conference Thursday there would be several changes to a mandatory 14-day quarantine for those entering New Mexico from out of state, such as exempting those who travel out of state for medical treatments.

But she did not mention the type of exemption Heinrich requested.

The Albuquerque Journal contributed to this report.