Local DWI Grant Program - Statutory Authority

The 1993 New Mexico Legislature enacted Laws of 1993, Chapter 65. A portion of the law created the Local DWI Grant Program Act, compiled as Sections 11-6A-1 through 11-6A-6, NMSA 1978, as amended.

The legislation, 11-6A-4 NMSA 1978 as amended, gives oversight of the Program to the DWI Grant Council. "Council" means the New Mexico DWI Grant Council, which was created under the Local DWI Grant Program Act. Membership of the Council consists of the president of the New Mexico Municipal League or a designee, the president of the New Mexico Association of Counties or a designee, the secretary of the Department of Health or the Secretary’s designee, the secretary of the Department of Finance and Administration or the Secretary’s designee, chief of the Traffic Safety Bureau of the State Highway and Transportation Department, and two representatives of local governing bodies, appointed by the Governor. The Local DWI Grants are awarded by the DWI Grant Council upon their review and approval of the grant programs and plans contained in the county’s annual grant application.

Funding

The Local DWI Programs in New Mexico are administered by the Department of Finance (DFA), Local Government Division (LGD) and are responsible for the statewide programs. Otero County has three funding sources used in support of the local program:

1. Distribution from DFA based on 45% of net receipts sales tax from the state’s Liquor Excise Tax.
2. Grants are awarded to counties on a competitive basis.
3. Fees collected for screening and fees paid by convicted DWI offenders.

Mission

The Mission of the Otero County DWI Program is to reduce the incidence of DWI, alcoholism, alcohol abuse, and alcohol-related domestic violence in Otero County.

Vision

The Otero County DWI Program continually strives to improve our services to the community by collaborating with other agencies and non-profit organizations to create a safer community.

Goals

The goals of the DWI Program include:

• Enhance our Prevention and Teen Court components to include reaching out to areas of the county such as Chaparral, Holloman Air Force Base, and Mescalero.
• Continue to improve our compliance and tracking component by providing services to district and magistrate municipal courts.
• Ensure continuous improvement in the reduction of DWI related accidents and fatalities throughout Otero County
• Reduce recidivism rates among DWI offenders.
• Conduct random drug and alcohol tests on all DWI offenders in our program.
• Increase awareness of the dangers of underage drinking and DWI.