Lawmakers Push to Establish Trade Port Districts in New Mexico

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Contact: Pamela Armstrong
Email: pamela.armstrong@nmlegis.gov
Cell: 618.267.6305

Lawmakers Push to Establish Trade Port Districts in New Mexico

Proposal would stimulate trade, create jobs, and boost the economy in New Mexico communities by establishing designated trade hubs

Santa Fe, N.M. – Today, the House Taxation Revenue Committee heard House Bill 19: the Trade Ports Development Act. The bill, which will now be considered for inclusion in the omnibus tax package, would establish “trade port districts” across New Mexico. These trade ports would facilitate interstate and international trade through the state, while also improving local infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs, and strengthening the economy.

Trade port districts would be established in strategic locations with access to various transportation infrastructure, such as airports, railyards, and interstate highways, to facilitate the movement, storage, and distribution of goods and commodities. HB 19 would also ensure that rural, tribal, and economically-disadvantaged communities across the state are prioritized as potential locations to establish these districts.

“Trade ports would enhance New Mexico’s role in national and international trade while promoting economic development and supply chain resiliency”,  said lead sponsor Rep. Patricia Lundstrom (D-Gallup).  “With these trade ports, New Mexico has the potential to benefit from all the cargo that moves through our state while bringing good jobs to communities across New Mexico.”

Development of the infrastructure for these trade hubs, as well as their ongoing maintenance, would be facilitated through Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). These partnerships leverage private investments to enhance the impact of public dollars, while maintaining government control. This would create construction, trade, and telecommunications jobs for New Mexicans in local communities to facilitate both the initial construction and ongoing maintenance of the trade ports.

“Trade ports would supercharge New Mexico’s capacity to be a major player in interstate and international commerce,” said co-sponsor House Majority Whip Day Hochman-Vigil (D-Albuquerque). “By leveraging the potential of public-private partnerships, we create jobs and strengthen supply chain resiliency, not just for New Mexico, but for the entire country,”

Additional sponsors of the bill include House Majority Caucus Chair Ray Lara (D-Chamberino) and Reps. Tara Lujan (D-Santa Fe), Joy Garratt (D-Albuquerque), Art De La Cruz (D-Albuquerque), and Meredith Dixon (D-Albuquerque). Many local municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, labor unions, and tribal communities have also expressed strong support for HB 19.

Members of the public are welcome to attend floor sessions and committee meetings at the New Mexico Roundhouse, and can tune in virtually through the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab. Public comment can also be provided in-person, and via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.

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