URL: http://www.abqjournal.com/AED/836883biz02-21-03.htm

Friday, February 21, 2003
Gov. Promotes Border Rail Line
By Diane Velasco Journal Staff Writer     Gov. Bill Richardson outlined plans to improve freight transportation at the border with Mexico during a speech Thursday to business executives in Chicago.
    "This project makes a lot of sense for everyone involved, and we want to get it rolling," he said.
    Richardson said that he and Chihuahua Gov. Patricio Martinez, also at the meeting, plan to study a proposal for a railroad loop around Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, and El Paso. A key stop in the loop would be the border crossing at Santa Teresa, N.M.
    Richardson's speech Thursday was made as part of a trade delegation to attract Midwestern businesses such as Motorola and Caterpillar to New Mexico.
    But one businessman based in Ciudad Juárez left Thursday's meeting saying he was charmed by Richardson but doubted the chance of success for economic development on the border.
    "I like Governor Richardson — he was the star of the meeting," said Rodolfo Sigala, general manager of a Foster Electric plant in the state of Chihuahua's largest city. "But is he aware of what's happening in Chihuahua and especially Ciudad Juárez?"
    Sigala, who spoke with the Journal by telephone from Chicago, cited increasing crime and allegations of corruption in Martinez's administration in Chihuahua.
    "They are saying come to our region, we welcome you with open arms. I don't think it's possible at this time," Sigala told the Journal. "I am not opposed to companies going into Mexico — we need these companies. But we also need to change some things.
    "Would you go to Juárez and start a business knowing every other day people are found dead? The executions, drug trafficking and killing of women tells you there is impunity — there is no control and nobody is fighting against this violence."
    Hundreds of people attended Thursday's meeting, representing as many as 60 companies, said Rick Homans, New Mexico's economic development secretary, who attended.
    A vice president of Motorola, which already has a plant in Ciudad Chihuahua, and an official of AAR Aircraft Services, which has 31 plants including one in Roswell, were among the participants, Homans said.
    Richardson said the Chicago trip was unique because it is the first time officials from New Mexico, Texas and Mexico have worked together to recruit economic development to the region.
    "Instead of competing with each other, (now) you've got everyone working together," he said.
   
    Associated Press reporter Megan Reichgott contributed to this report.