Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center

[5] On the one hand, businesses appreciate the high wage jobs associated with the institute as well as the out of town visitors that it brings in for training, many of whom stay for days or weeks at a time and infuse the local economy with their purchases.

On the other hand, many local residents who do not own businesses express frustration with the noise problems associated with testing explosives and bombs.

The explosions typically occur in the late morning or early and mid-afternoon and can be heard - and felt - all over town.

This has been a heated topic at recent Socorro city council meetings, with many residents opposed but a vocal minority strongly supporting it.

[6][7] Proponents of the proposed drop zone suggest it will not impact Socorro residents negatively and will help the US military in essential training missions.