HOUSE BILL 219

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

INTRODUCED BY

Nathan P. Small

AN ACT

RELATING TO STATE PARKS; PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGNATION OF SLOT CANYON RIVERLANDS STATE PARK AS A NEW STATE PARK; PROVIDING RESTRICTIONS ON THE SALE, TRADE, BARTER OR EXCHANGE OF HOLDINGS IN CERTAIN PARCELS OF THE PARK; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION.

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

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] SLOT CANYON RIVERLANDS STATE PARK--DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGNATION.--

          A. The state parks division of the energy, minerals and natural resources department shall develop and designate Slot Canyon Riverlands state park as a new state park on the riverside and upland parcels of the Broad Canyon ranch study area located in Dona Ana county in a way that is consistent with the third alternative of the feasibility study conducted and prepared pursuant to Senate Memorial 38 of the first session of the fifty-sixth legislature. In developing Slot Canyon Riverlands state park, the state parks division shall:

                (1) maximize opportunities for recreational activities, wildlife habitat protection and ecosystem restoration;

                (2) prioritize connecting the park and its trails to other existing trails, including the Rio Grande trail;

                (3) complete a natural resource management plan; and

                (4) remove salt cedar on the riverside parcel and swan pond.

          B. The state parks division shall not sell, trade, barter, gift or otherwise exchange any of its holdings in the riverside and upland parcels of the Broad Canyon ranch study area located in Dona Ana county. The division may, for the purposes of this section, acquire additional property and assets to add to the holdings of Slot Canyon Riverlands state park, except through the power of eminent domain, and receive gifts and bequests of money, assets or other property.

     SECTION 2. APPROPRIATION.--Nine million dollars ($9,000,000) is appropriated from the general fund to the energy, minerals and natural resources department for expenditure in fiscal year 2026 and subsequent fiscal years to carry out the provisions of Section 1 of this act and develop and operate Slot Canyon Riverlands state park as a new state park. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the general fund.

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