SENATE MEMORIAL 23

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

INTRODUCED BY

Roberto "Bobby" J. Gonzales

 

 

 

 

 

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER TO STUDY THE BENEFITS, COSTS AND FEASIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING AN EARTHEN WATER IMPOUNDMENT FOR WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION AND STRUCTURE PROTECTION IN TAOS COUNTY AND THE NECESSARY WATER RIGHTS TO FILL THE IMPOUNDMENT AND REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE LEGISLATURE.

 

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has endured sequential wildfire seasons that are among the most devastating in the state's history; and

     WHEREAS, large portions of Taos county overlap with the Carson national forest; and

     WHEREAS, Taos county is home to two sovereign Indian pueblo communities, making it a necessity to engage in cross-jurisdictional consultation so that first responders can be prepared to respond to wildfires that cross governmental boundaries; and

     WHEREAS, it is important to ensure that first responders have access to legal water supplies for fire suppression and protection of structures in proximity to wildfires; and

     WHEREAS, an evaluation of the benefits and costs of constructing a new earthen impoundment for water in Taos county for wildfire suppression and structure protection during wildfires would be beneficial to tribal and local governments and state agencies that will need to respond to future wildfires in Taos county; and

     WHEREAS, the mission of the office of the state engineer includes analysis of water impoundment structures, the management of the state's waters and the tracking of water rights;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the office of the state engineer be requested to coordinate with state, local and tribal government agencies to study:

          A. the benefits, costs and feasibility of constructing a new earthen impoundment for water in Taos county for wildfire suppression and structure protection during wildfires; and

          B. the availability and cost of the water rights needed to fill such an impoundment with water; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the office of the state engineer be requested to report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate interim committee that studies issues concerning water and natural resources; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the office of the state engineer, the board of county commissioners of Taos county, the governor of the Pueblo of Taos, the governor of the Pueblo of Picuris and the mayors of the municipalities in Taos county.

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