[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 15185]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            TO COMMEMORATE ARTESIA, NEW MEXICO'S CENTENNIAL

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I would like to recognize a 
unique community in my home State of New Mexico and some of its many 
proud accomplishments. 2005 marks a special year for the city of 
Artesia as it celebrates its centennial.
  After two names ``Miller'' and ``Stegman,'' the citizens finally 
decided on ``Artesia'' in 1903 after the discovery of several 
flourishing Artesian wells in the area, and in January of 1905 the 
community of Artesia became an incorporated municipality. At the time, 
roughly 1,000 residents called Artesia home and these folks undertook a 
daunting task to make it a growing, prosperous community. Over the 100 
years since its conception, Artesia and its citizens have seen many 
changes. Artesia, once a sleepy farming and ranching town, now finds 
itself at the hub of southeast New Mexico's oil and gas industry.
  Very few cities in my home State have replicated Artesia's drive for 
excellence. The efficient use of the Pecos River Valley, and turning it 
into one of the most admirable and profitable agricultural regions in 
the State, is commendable. They have utilized the fertile Pecos soil to 
produce some of the state's best alfalfa and corn, which in turn has 
allowed them to raise livestock that are the envy of many New Mexican 
producers.
  Artesia, in accord with its ambitious nature, has surpassed even its 
well-deserved legacy as an oil, gas and agricultural force. When 
attempting to find a use in the late 1980s for a shuttered college 
campus, the city leaders checked with me and our collaboration resulted 
in the city offering the space to the Federal Government. That offer 
brought the establishment of the Federal Law Enforcement Training 
Center that is today the Nation's training focal point for Federal 
security personnel who protect our borders and Federal facilities. It 
has been beneficial not only for the Federal Government and the 
American people, but also Artesia's economic diversity.
  Artesia's standard for excellence is also reflected in their 
extraordinarily successful school program. Students retain a sense of 
pride, while teachers act as models for the rest of the State to 
follow. No where else has a football team won twenty-four State titles, 
yet still preserve the highest regard for education. The quality of 
Bulldog character is known, not only in the southeastern part of the 
State, but throughout the Land of Enchantment.
  As I review the past 100 years, one thing becomes clear. Artesians 
are achievers. When problems or opportunities arise, Artesians roll up 
their sleeves and go to work to complete the task at hand. This is why 
oil and gas was initially discovered and still flourishes in the Pecos 
Valley. All the while, farming and ranching has persevered, and more 
recently dairies and other additions to the economy have pushed it into 
a constant position of expansion. Dedication to purpose and 
enthusiastic pursuit of success are ingrained in its citizens, young 
and old. It is no wonder Artesia has become known as ``The City of 
Champions.''
  I consider myself fortunate to be the Senator from a State where hard 
work and dedication still prevails, perfection is pursued, and its 
citizens are not afraid to get their hands dirty. During this 
centennial year, I am absolutely amazed at the large number of citizens 
that are busy planning activities, contributing ideas and historical 
facts, raising funds, and volunteering time and effort to conduct a 
full year of activities with the expressed purpose of making 2005 a 
truly memorable year for all of its citizens. As their United States 
Senator, I want to commend Artesia and its citizens for a job well done 
in making Artesia, New Mexico such a wonderful place to live and work 
over the past 100 years.

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