HOUSE BILL 37

57th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2025

INTRODUCED BY

Dayan Hochman-Vigil

AN ACT

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION FOR A FEASIBILITY STUDY TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL ACQUISITION BY THE STATE OF THE STAR AXIS SCULPTURAL OBSERVATORY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. APPROPRIATION.--

          A. Two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the board of regents of New Mexico highlands university for expenditure in fiscal years 2025 through 2027 to conduct a feasibility study to assess the potential acquisition by the state of Star Axis, a privately owned sculptural observatory located in San Miguel county, including:

                (1) assessing the cost of legally necessary upgrades required for public access;

                (2) determining the long-term annual operation, maintenance and staffing needs;

                (3) outlining scientific and educational uses of the site, including possible collegiate-level training in partnership with educational entities throughout the state; and

                (4) assessing the long-term value of establishing a land art tour network for visitation of land artworks in the state.

          B. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2027 shall revert to the general fund.

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