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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Lyons DATE TYPED: 01/25/00 HB
SHORT TITLE: Clovis Agricultural Science Center SB 68
ANALYST: Pacheco-Perez


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
 Recurring

or Non-Rec

 Fund

Affected

FY00 FY01 FY00 FY01
$ 500.0 Rec GF



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates HB170



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

New Mexico State University College of Agriculture & Home Economics (NMSU)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



This bill appropriates $500.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the New Mexico State University to expand and enhance programs at the Clovis Agricultural Science Center. The appropriation is distributed as follows: $250.0 to the Agricultural Experiment Station and $250.0 to the Cooperative Extension Service.



Significant Issues



According to NMSU, agriculture in eastern New Mexico is changing dramatically. Water shortages are requiring conservation efforts and shifts to more efficient practices initiated by federal commodity support programs. The Clovis center is the only such facility providing scientifically based information to area farmers, ranchers, and dairy farmers.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $500.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY01 shall revert to the general fund.



ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS



According to NMSU, this bill provides funding for an agronomist, a water management specialist, a dairy specialist and support staff.



CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP



This bill duplicates House Bill 170.



OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



According to NMSU, Curry, Roosevelt and Lea counties rank 3, 4, and 7 in all farm commodities. Failure to respond to specific water needs of the industry will significantly diminish the economic vitality of the region.



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