The border cattle gate at Columbus, N.M., that was shut down twomonths ago over safety concerns will reopen.New Mexico's U.S. Sens.Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall announced that the White House agreedto resume cattle crossing operations contingent on some changes. The lawmakers said closing the gate at Columbus placed a greatburden on New Mexico ranchers and caused the temporary loss of 20jobs in Luna County. The gate was closed in March after the U.S. Department ofAgriculture decided to restrict its veterinarians from crossing the border because of the drug violence in Mexico. Mexican officials reported previously that Palomas, on the Mexicanside of the border, had experienced shootouts related to the drugcartel wars. In recent years, bodies were uncovered in clandestinegraves in Palomas, right across the border from Columbus. Suzanne Bond, spokeswoman for the USDA in Riverdale, Md., said thegovernment "has issued a port alert-reopening for thefacility, so exporters should be able to use this facilitybeginning next week." "I am glad the Obama administration found a solution thatmakes sense for USDA veterinarians and our state's ranchers," Bingaman said. "This is goodnews for Luna County." New Mexico ranchers buy feeder cattle from Mexico to supplement their herds, and other animals aretransferred through the crossing as well. Before the animals are allowed to come into New Mexico, they areinspected by a USDA veterinarian to ensure they are disease-free. Until a new arrangement wasworked out, U.S. officials were concerned for the safety of theinspectors. 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 HillaryRodham Clinton, Customs and Border Protection Commissioner DavidAguilar and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to find a solutionthat 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 theireconomy," Udall said. "There has been wide attention tothe issue of safety at the crossing, and I appreciate the work ofall parties to ensure livestock can again be inspected at theColumbus port of entry." Diana Washington Valdez may be reached at ; 546-6140. See Comments. The e-commerce company in China offers quality products such as E-Light IPL RF , China Laser Beauty Equipment, and more. For more , please visit Cavitation Slimming Machine today!
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