SOCORRO, N.M. – New Mexico Tech is thanking two area state legislators who have shown strong support for staff, facilities, and operations at Playas Research and Training Center (PTRC), a university facility located in Hidalgo County. PTRC serves government and industry clients, nationally and internationally, that require controlled environment, reality-based testing and training venues in any aspect of physical security.

Rep. Candie Sweetser (District 32 - Grant, Hidalgo, and Luna counties) and Rep. Gail Armstrong (District 29 - Catron, Socorro, and Valencia counties) recently toured PRTC facilities and visited with the Drone Assessment and Response Tactics (DART) class of the First Responder program that brings police officers, firefighters, and other first responders from across the nation for weeklong training. Both legislators observed the training that was going on that day and received a briefing on the Playas Electronic Attack and Cyber Environment (PEACE) Project that provides a battle space for information warfare support systems and services. 

“They are both big supporters of the First Responder Program,” said Associate Vice President for Research Carlos Rey Romero. “Since their visit NMT received $22 million for First Responder training. New Mexico Tech very much appreciates their interest and support.”

Director of Government Relations David Manzano said both legislators represent the university in different areas.

“They are huge supporters when it comes to state funding and Capital Outlay needs,” he said. “We very much appreciate Reps. Sweetser and Armstrong’s support, as well as the support of other local and state officials for our programs at Playas Training and Research Center.”

More information about Playas Research and Training Center is available on the NMT website at:
https://www.nmt.edu/research/projects/playas/facilities/index.php