Columbus, New Mexico Cattle Crossing on US-Mexico Border to Reopen

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The border cattle gate at Columbus, N.M., that was shut down two months ago over safety concerns will reopen.New Mexico's U.S. Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall announced that the White House agreed to resume cattle crossing operations contingent on some changes.

The lawmakers said closing the gate at Columbus placed a great burden on New Mexico ranchers and caused the temporary loss of 20 jobs in Luna County.

The gate was closed in March after the U.S. Department of Agriculture decided to restrict its veterinarians from crossing the border because of the drug violence in Mexico.

Mexican officials reported previously that Palomas, on the Mexican side of the border, had experienced shootouts related to the drug cartel wars. In recent years, bodies were uncovered in clandestine graves in Palomas, right across the border from Columbus.

Suzanne Bond, spokeswoman for the USDA in Riverdale, Md., said the government "has issued a port alert-reopening for the facility, so exporters should be able to use this facility beginning next week."

"I am glad the Obama administration found a solution that makes sense for USDA veterinarians and our state's ranchers," Bingaman said. "This is good news for Luna County."

New Mexico ranchers buy feeder cattle from Mexico to supplement their herds, and other animals are transferred through the crossing as well.

Before the animals are allowed to come into New Mexico, they are inspected by a USDA veterinarian to ensure they are disease-free. Until a new arrangement was worked out, U.S. officials were concerned for the safety of the inspectors.

Under the new arrangement, the USDA veterinarian will now work from a safer structure, officials said.

The senators said they sent letters to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner David Aguilar and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to find a solution that satisfied safety concerns and the needs of the ranchers.

"The reopening of the port of entry to cattle crossing is a huge win for the local community and their economy," Udall said. "There has been wide attention to the issue of safety at the crossing, and I appreciate the work of all parties to ensure livestock can again be inspected at the Columbus port of entry."

Diana Washington Valdez may be reached at dvaldez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6140.

 

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