Southern New Mexico trying to draw film industry

Since Gov. Bill Richardson took office, the state has invested tens of millions of dollars to attract the film industry. Northern New Mexico has repeatedly reaped the benefits with the filming of a number of pictures in the area. In addition, a number of companies have relocated employees and opened new offices in the Albuquerque area, making that region a real threat to Hollywood, the Los Angeles Times reported recently.

Though the state has invested millions to develop the Creative Media Institute at New Mexico State University, that hasn’t drawn films to Southern New Mexico.

The university, in partnership with the City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County, hopes to change that.

The city council has already approved an agreement to provide $25,000 each year to NMSU to help pay an employee whose job will be attracting films to Doña Ana County. The county commission is set to vote Tuesday on a similar agreement and, if it’s approved, will also provide $25,000 for the position.

In addition, the city has already agreed and the county is voting on whether to agree to provide other help to CMI, which would coordinate film shoots in the area. That help would include use of government facilities for filming scenes and police help to close roads when necessary.

The county’s agreement states that it will use volunteer and reserve officers whenever possible.

Even if paid officers are used, such assistance is legal under the exemption to the anti-donation clause in the New Mexico Constitution that allows public assistance to private entities for economic development purposes.

The film industry is a great one to attract. It doesn’t pollute. It aids local business and can create new jobs.