New Mexico Acres Seized for Army Border Security Drills
Published Date: 4/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The government is setting aside about 109,651 acres of land in New Mexico for the Army to use for border security over the next 3 years. This means no one can settle, buy, or mine on this land during that time. The Army will now be in charge of managing these lands, keeping things secure and organized.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
109,651 Acres Closed to Settlement and Sale
About 109,651 acres in Dona Ana, Luna, and Hidalgo Counties, New Mexico are withdrawn for 3 years. During that time the lands cannot be settled, sold, located, or entered under the general land laws, so you cannot buy or claim this land for private use for the 3-year period.
Mining and Leasing Prohibited for Three Years
For 3 years the withdrawn lands are closed to actions under the United States mining laws and to mineral and geothermal leasing. That means mining claims, mineral leases, and geothermal leases cannot be filed or developed on these 109,651 acres during the 3-year withdrawal.
Army Takes Administrative Control for Border Security
Administrative jurisdiction over the approximately 109,651 acres is transferred to the Department of the Army for use in border security for 3 years. The Army will manage the lands and keep them secure and organized during that period.
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