NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature. The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.
Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.
| SPONSOR: | Wright | DATE TYPED: | 01/26/01 | HB | 54 | ||
| SHORT TITLE: | NMSU Climatologist | SB | |||||
| ANALYST: | Gilbert | ||||||
| Recurring
or Non-Rec |
Fund
Affected | ||||
| FY01 | FY02 | FY01 | FY02 | ||
| $ 350.0 | Recurring | GF | |||
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA)
New Mexico Commission for Higher Education (CHE)
CHE Fund Appropriation Matrix FY02
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
House Bill 54 appropriates $350.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University for the office of the State Climatologist.
Significant Issues
The Office of the State Climatologist assists the state in understanding and responding to natural and man-induced climate processes and their implications, cooperates with the federal government in activities relating to climate studies and advisory services, and promotes and disseminates general knowledge pertaining to climatology. Funding in this bill would allow the additional FTE needed to enhance and maintain 34 weather stations providing weather related data to researchers throughout the state.
All New Mexico higher educational institutions were asked to provide the CHE with an overall priority listing of all new and expansion research and public service project requests. According to the CHE, NMSU provided a categorical priority list with this appropriation included, but the CHE reported that NMSU did not receive approval from their governing board for this funding.
The CHE did not recommend funding for this program.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
The $350.0 appropriation contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.
LG/jsp:ar