Op-Ed: Funds Available to Soften Economic Blow From Questa Mine Closure
June 9, 2014
Op-Ed Submitted by State Senator Carlos Cisneros (D-6-Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe & Taos)
Santa Fe, NM – The announcement from Chevron Mining Inc. that the nearly 100-year-old molybdenum mine in Questa will be closing permanently in August is no doubt a devastating blow to Northern New Mexico’s job climate. But there is also a light at the end of the tunnel that locals must keep in mind as we approach this inevitable closure.
In 2008, Chevron made a commitment to the Village of Questa to provide $320,000 annually to the Questa Economic Development Fund for eight years ending in 2015, as well as a one-time $1 million contribution, for the purpose of post-mining, economic development efforts. That amounts to about $3.5 million to be put to use by the Village of Questa to invest in a lucrative and viable long-term, recovery plan. Furthermore, Chevron has decided to extend its commitment for another eight years, adding another $2.5 million, totaling around $6 million.
It is my understanding that Chevron intends to be involved in the process by working with the Village to hire a consulting firm to work with the Village to structure a viable economic development plan that will also provide training for laid off employees. Chevron also plans to encourage contractors to keep local employees on for the remediation process. I applaud the consideration, as it gives people a chance to continue receiving income as a new economic development plan is being created.
In order to be successful, the plan should benefit the people, the heritage and the traditional values of ranching and farming. Funds could support the local acequias to assure that access to farming and grazing continue into the future, thus contributing the agricultural economy that already exists in the area. Money should also be invested in existing or future local businesses that provide a solid business plan. Perhaps, in addition to working with the Village, consultants can also work with local experts from New Mexico State University, the University of New Mexico, Los Alamos National Labs, as well as the Regional Development Corporation to structure such a plan. Working with neighboring counties could also be an option to gain perspective on the local economies and provide tips on how to benefit from local resources that ensure economic stability for the entire region.
John Barela, the Cabinet Secretary for the New Mexico Economic Development Department and Celina Bussey, the Secretary of the New Mexico Workforce Connection, can provide expertise in applying for unemployment benefits, as well as answer questions about eligibility qualifications to receive those benefits. I would encourage citizens to work with Chevron and the Village, to explore the possibility of using funds to help make the application process for those benefits convenient. My suggestion would be to use the funds to set up a designated office space, possibly on mining property, where people can apply electronically instead of having to travel to offices far away to fill out paperwork. Mr. Barela can also advise employees on whether they are eligible for the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which provides “opportunities to obtain the skills, resources, and support they need to become reemployed” to those who have lost their jobs as a result of foreign trade.
It is critical for local entities to act now, and for displaced employees and their families to get involved by assuring that these funds are invested wisely and efficiently. Affected families still have a chance to move forward and embark on new and feasible opportunities. Go to meetings, contact the mayor and get the answers you need. This might have been a blow, especially to families who have depended on the mine for generations, but this is certainly not the end.
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