NMSS - Why Metro NM: Regional Richness

Why Metro NM: Natural Beauty

shawna — Mon, 22 May 2006 14:58:10 -0600

Natural Beauty

New Mexico is a scenic region of grand mountains, ancient volcanos, and vast deserts. Historic sites and large reaches of pristine wilderness are preserved in our millions of acres of public lands.

Amid the natural beauty you'll find colorful Indian villages, Spanish missions and ruins of age-old civilizations. The spectacular natural beauty, breathtaking sunsets and cultural vibrancy give the state its nickname, the Land of Enchantment.

It's easy to enjoy New Mexico's scenic beauty with over 300 days of sunshine and four distinct seasons, recreational opportunities allow New Mexicans to play close to home and all year long.

Why Metro NM: Natural Resources

shawna — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 15:32:22 -0600

Natural Resources

New Mexico has a wealth of natural resources from raw materials for manufacturing and production to the state's climate and scenery.

New Mexico is the 4th largest natural gas producer in the U.S. and has the 3rd largest reserves in the U.S.
New Mexico is first in production and reserves of coal bed methane gas in the nation, with proven gas reserves of 17,020 billion cubic feet (BCF).
New Mexico is the 6th largest producer of crude oil in the U.S., producing 184,000 barrels per day.
Minerals are the state's most abundant natural resource. New Mexico is one of the U.S. leaders in output of uranium and potassium salts (potash). Petroleum, natural gas, copper, gold, silver, zinc, lead, and molybdenum also contribute heavily to the economy.
Energy from renewable fuels such as wind, solar, and biomass are in active use in New Mexico's businesses and homes. The state is actively pursuing new opportunities in renewable energy development.
New Mexico's agricultural products have an annual market value of $155.4 million. Our top 5 agricultural exports are:

dairy products
cotton and linen
tree nuts
wheat and wheat products
vegetables

For more information on natural resources, see the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department's Annual Report.

Why Metro NM: Geography

shawna — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 15:18:51 -0600

Convenient Location

New Mexico lies at the heart of the Southwestern United States. The Rocky Mountains run its length, with foothills spilling into Mexico on our southern border.

Oklahoma and Texas border New Mexico to the east, with Arizona to the west. Directly north is Colorado, and in the northwestern corner New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah come together (the Four Corners). To the south, New Mexico shares borders with Texas and Mexico. The state has multiple, convenient ports of entry to Mexico, including recently completed and highly efficient Santa Teresa.

The Metro New Mexico area is the business and industry nerve center of New Mexico. Two major interstates, I-40, a major truck route from Los Angeles to the East Coast, and I-25, which runs from Mexico through Denver and on to Canada, intersect at the center of Metro New Mexico. The area is also served by mainline rail and direct air service.

The cities of the Metro area - Belen, Los Lunas, Albuquerque, Rio Rancho and Santa Fe are arrayed along the north-south I-25 corridor. The corridor runs parallel to the Rio Grande which flows through the state. Estancia is just east of Albuquerque on east-west I-40.

The landscape ranges from pinon-dotted high deserts to spectacular snow-capped mountains. Despite New Mexico's arid image, the climate here is mild and the region diverse with over 11 environmental life zones.