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.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Office of the State Engineer (SEO)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

This bill appropriates $50.0 from the general fund to the Local Government Division of the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) for the purpose of entering into joint powers agreements (JPA) with the Pueblos of Zia, Santa Ana, Jemez and others in the Rio Jemez drainage basin to facilitate and fund activities necessary to participate in the Rio Jemez drainage basin water settlement and irrigation negotiations regarding the pending federal and Native American claims. An emergency clause is included.

Significant Issues

The appropriation is specifically to be used to facilitate and fund activities related to the pending federal and Native American issues in the Rio Jemez adjudication. According to SEO, a hearing was held and the special master's report and recommendation for the adjudication of the claims of the pueblos was submitted to the court in 1989. This appropriation may facilitate efforts to reach settlement of the adjudications in a more expeditious manner.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $50.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2003 shall revert to the general fund.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

SEO recommends that "other adjudication members" be defined.

GC/njw