Latest news with #TealHarbin
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Latest investments in New Mexico's outdoor recreation
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Better access to outdoor resources and improved trails could soon be coming to New Mexico, especially in more rural parts of the state. State outdoor leaders explain how the governor's latest approvals will enhance recreation in New Mexico. 'And our entire statewide system was on the verge of collapse,' said Teal Harbin, New Mexico Search and Rescue Medical Coordinator. During the latest legislative session, New Mexico Search and Rescue Medical Coordinator Teal Harbin advocated for a bill to enhance search and rescue (SARS) response times with a single phone call. 'I think it'll save a lot of lives,' said Harbin. Albuquerque church opens first 'Safe Outdoor Space' in International District And now it's been signed into law. 'This means that New Mexico, the outdoor community, is that much safer. Now, hopefully we will not have individuals waiting hours to days before search and rescue is notified through the state police,' said Harbin. The new law is just one piece of a larger push to invest in outdoor recreation in the state of New Mexico. 'So, it's really uplifting communities,' said Karina Armijo, Director of the Outdoor Recreation Division. On top of the search and rescue enhancement, other areas of the outdoor division are getting some much-needed funding. A record-breaking $13 million will go to the state's outdoor recreation division. After the governor approved the budget created by legislators. 'We saw that there was a real demand for a lot of these projects and programs for the outdoor equity fund,' said Armijo. Middle schoolers invited to hands-on outdoor adventure exploring Bosque wildlife Three million dollars will go to the fund which gives youth across the state, especially in rural areas, equal opportunity to experience the state's outdoor recreation offerings. Providing young people with resources like transportation. 'It's helping to level the playing ground and to make a safe environment and more inclusive environment for all,' said Harbin. The remaining $10 million will go to outdoor recreation trails, bridge trail maintenance, restrooms, and more. 'So, what's significant is our state legislators, understanding the demand and allocating funds as an investment to our state for future, whether it's stewards and workforce in the outdoor economy,' said Armijo. The New Mexico Economic Development Department Secretary Rob Black called the funding a historic investment in quality of life, saying in a statement, 'Investing in outdoor recreation is key to creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and strengthening communities, especially in rural and underserved areas.' For more information about how you can apply for these grants and funds, and who is eligible go to Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Yahoo
Search and rescue advocates push in support of legislative bill
NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – If you're stranded in one of New Mexico's mountains or lost in the wilderness and call 911, New Mexico Search and Rescue advocates said under current laws, they might not hear about it for hours or even days. That's why legislators are proposing a bill to make sure, should the worst happen, the right resources get to you right away. 'That family is still missing their loved one,' said Teal Harbin, New Mexico Search and Rescue Advocate. She remembers 80-year-old Jose Orozco, who went missing in Santa Fe in early January and still hasn't been found. 'It's hard to tell them that their death or the injuries that they've experienced could have maybe been prevented if we were called sooner,' said Harbin. Bill to increase taxes on e-cigarette products draws mixed opinions A simple call – that's what Harbin and legislators backing a search and rescue bill said could change everything. 'Time is of the essence when somebody is in a wilderness situation, and they're injured or lost. And it's really about speed and dispatch, and that's what this bill seeks to do,' said Sen. Jeff Steinborn. Under the current law, advocates said, there is no guarantee that search and rescue will be dispatched alongside other resources. They've found that even when they are contacted, it's usually hours to days later. 'It has resulted in unnecessary death and harm to those that are hurt out in the wilderness,' said Harbin. The bill would amend the New Mexico Search and Rescue Act, which gives state police the power to send out response groups with specific skill sets. The problem, advocates said, is that dispatchers aren't contacting state police right away. 'Anti-distraction' bill moves through Roundhouse 'What we realized when looking at the issue is, of course, it's not really any fault of any agency. It's not like anyone's purposely delaying calling us out. Really, it comes down to unawareness,' said Harbin. Harbin said the amendment provides clear criteria of what constitutes a possible search and rescue mission and what would require a phone call to the New Mexico State Police. 'And then from there, the New Mexico State Police dispatch their experts in being able to determine if search and rescue is needed or not. They will take it from there,' said Harbin. Harbin said search and rescue teams aren't being called statewide. She worries about the future of search and rescue in the state but hopes this is just the beginning: 'It's the first step in trying to guarantee that we have that safety net, that New Mexico Search and Rescue will be there, and the outdoor recreation economy can continue to grow,' says Harbin. The bill is set to be heard in the Senate Tax Committee Tuesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
