THE PARTNERS FOR A CLEAN NEW MEXICO

The Partners who initiated this planning effort and committed to follow through with its implementation include local, state and federal agencies, not-for profit organizations, tribes, pueblos, and nations.  The initial organizational make-up of the Partners is listed below:

·         Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council

·         New Mexico Association of Counties (NMAC)

·         New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)

·         New Mexico Environment Department (NMED)

·         New Mexico Finance and Administration (E911)

·         New Mexico Recycling Coalition (NMRC)

·         New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (NMEMNRD)

          New Mexico State Forestry

·         New Mexico State Lands Office (NMSLO)

·         New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD)—New  Mexico Clean & Beautiful (NMCB)

·         Santa Fe County

·         United States Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service (USFS)

·         United States Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

PARTNERS ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Each of the Partner organizations will play a role in successfully implementing the strategic plan to address illegal dumping.  All of the Partner organizations have different resources, strengths, and authorities that align with their individual missions and management priorities.  The Partners will share the responsibilities associated with the projects identified under the goals of the plan.  The initial organizational make-up of the Partners is listed in the plan, but the founding Partners envision expansion to include future governmental agencies, private, and not-for-profit organizations. 

OPPORTUNITY

The Partners of this strategic plan see not only a problem confronting New Mexicans, they see an opportunity.  The opportunity exists in the ability to leverage resources by working together to address illegal dumping.  The Partner organizations have an array and depth of resources that include educational programs, enforcement capabilities, funding, information, and the ability to clean up and monitor existing dump sites.  The Partners have demonstrated concern about illegal dumping in the past through their actions and are herein making a commitment to work together in order to make a difference across New Mexico.   

GOALS

The Partners agree to four goals:  two for outreach and education; one each for enforcement and clean-up.  The goals contain projects that will be undertaken by the Partners themselves and also projects that communities and local governments can select and pursue on their own or by applying for grant funds and other available resources.  This broad approach should provide a comprehensive solution to New Mexico’s illegal dumping issues. 

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Financial support and staff will be sought from all Partners in order to implement this plan and provide communities with funding to assist specific projects to combat or cleanup illegal dumping.  The Partners agree to approach other local, state, federal, tribal, private and not-for-profit entities to encourage their participation in this initiative.  The New Mexico Association of Counties will serve as fiscal agent for this initiative and has signed an agreement to work closely with the New Mexico Recycling Coalition to receive funds to support this initiative and implementation of the strategic plan.

STAFF OR TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

While none of the Partners has a full-time staff position dedicated to the illegal dumping issue, most of the Partner organizations have one or more individuals who already are and will continue to spend time working on illegal dumping.  The Partners will designate a representative to meet, as deemed appropriate by all parties, to identify and discuss issues of mutual concern, and the plan implementation progress.  These meetings will provide the basis for an ongoing cooperative relationship among the organizations.

The Partners agree to provide staff representation to participate in meetings, respond to data calls, and report on accomplishments or benchmarks related to the goals and implementation of the plan.  

ADMINISTRATION

Modifications and enhancements to this plan may be proposed by any Partner organization and shall become effective upon the written approval of all Partners.  Nothing in this plan will be construed as limiting or affecting in any way the authority or responsibilities of the Partner organization to perform within their respective authority. 

The Partner representatives will review the completed actions, activities and outcomes of the plan at least once every year to determine its adequacy, effectiveness, and continuing need.

The Partners and their respective agencies will continue to utilize their own resources, including the expenditure of their own funds, in pursuing their current initiatives.  Each party will carry out its separate activities in a coordinated and mutually beneficial manner.  The Partners agree to explore additional opportunities for cooperation, including training, educational programs, and law enforcement. 

Nothing in this plan shall obligate any Partner to obligate or transfer any funds.  Specific work projects or activities that involve the transfer of funds, services, or property among the various agencies and offices of the Partners will require execution of separate agreements and be contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds and agreement between affected parties.  Such activities must be independently authorized by appropriate statutory authority.