[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 175 (Tuesday, November 13, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S14281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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              RECOGNIZING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LAS CRUCES

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, today I celebrate the 100th 
birthday of Las Cruces, NM. Being the second largest city in New 
Mexico, Las Cruces has a lot to be proud of and a lot to celebrate.
  Before New Mexico became a State, Las Cruces was making its mark on 
the world. When it was founded in 1907 as a small railroad town, no one 
could have foreseen what a major metropolitan area it would become in 
the southern part of my State. Being sheltered by the Organ Mountains 
to the east, and the Rio Grande River on the west, Las Cruces boasts 
350 days of sunshine a year making it one of AARP's Top 5 Places To 
Retire. The city also has continued to receive the title of Best Small 
Metro Area for Business Careers from the Forbes/Milken Institute.
  Las Cruces, English translation is ``the crosses,'' is home to the 
second largest university in New Mexico, New Mexico State University, 
with a student population of 26,000. NMSU continues to grow and improve 
upon the various programs and degrees they offer. This university is 
vital to the strength of Las Cruces. The Dona Ana Community College is 
located here as well. Their student population is over 4,000 strong. 
Las Cruces also hosts the nationally acclaimed annual Whole Enchilada 
Festival. The festival attracts over 40,000 visitors each year. Because 
of this annual event, Las Cruces holds the Guinness Book of World 
Records for the world's largest flat enchilada.
  Las Cruces has seen a giant explosion in population over the last 
decade. They have grown from just over 74,000 residents in 2000 to 
around 87,000 residents in 2006. And the boom in population shows no 
signs of stopping in the near future. Small and large industries 
continue to see this budding town as a great place to do business. 
While it is hard to point to just one industry that has caused the 
extreme growth, Las Cruces continues to do what it does best, be 
consistent in its offerings.
  To celebrate their 100th birthday, Las Cruces has planned to serve a 
piece of cake to every resident. They might also make the Guinness Book 
of World Records for the largest sheet cake after the celebration! The 
city is planning on cutting this cake at the culmination of an all-day 
festival at the Downtown Mall. The festival will include live 
entertainment all day with various acts to include a mariachi band, 
craft fair, and theatre performances at the Rio Grande Theatre.
  Las Cruces has so much to be proud of, and I congratulate them on 
their 100th birthday. May they celebrate many more. Que Viva Las Cruces 
muchos mas anos!

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