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



SPONSOR: Griego DATE TYPED: 02/04/00 HB
SHORT TITLE: Permanent Farmers' Market in Santa Fe SB 384
ANALYST: Pacheco-Perez

APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY00 FY01 FY00 FY01
$ 250.0 Rec GF

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates SB231

SOURCES OF INFORMATION



Commission on Higher Education (CHE)

New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



This bill appropriates $250.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of the New Mexico State University for the purpose of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture (NMDA) to continue the development of a proposed Farmers' markets site in the city of Santa Fe's railyard property.



FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $250.0 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.



CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP



This bill duplicates Senate Bill 231.



OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES



According to the NMDA, Santa Fe is the largest market in the state, serving a fifteen county area with 150-200 farmers participating. Average weekly attendance ranges from 2,500 to 4,000 and the market generates $1 million annually. The city of Santa Fe recently passed an easement in the railyard property, dedicating 1.3 acres for a plaza which would be permanent home to a farmers' market. The appropriation in this bill would allow for: architectural planning for the railyard plaza and associated structure; legal assistance in developing a long term lease for the permanent site; creation of a marketing and strategic plan; and accomplish technical changes such as e-commerce to ensure equal access of all consumers.



The CHE recommends that the following language be included for all new recurring higher education programs: "The institution receiving the special appropriation in this bill shall submit a program evaluation to the LFC and the CHE by August 1, 2003 detailing the benefits to the State from having this program implemented for a three-year period."



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