Master FIR (1988)

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.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

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

SPONSOR:	Irwin		DATE TYPED:	01/22/01		HB	116
SHORT TITLE:		Making an Appropriation for Soil and Water Conservation District Water Conservation Projects				SB
					ANALYST:		Gilbert

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01

FY02

FY01

FY02

$ 500.0

Recurring

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Relates to Appropriation in The General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

New Mexico Department of Agriculture

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 116 appropriates $500.0 from the general fund to the Board of Regents of New Mexico State University for allocation to New Mexico's soil and water conservation districts to permit cost-sharing for water conservation projects.

Significant Issues

Soil and water conservation districts in New Mexico intend to implement a number of projects for water conservation. Some of these projects have partial funding from federal or private sources, but must obtain matching funds before work can commence. More than $2.5 million worth of projects have been outlined by soil and water conservation districts throughout the state. Example projects are described below:

Increasing irrigation efficiency through demonstration and installation of new or improved technologies.

•Controlling non-native vegetation that is negatively impacting watersheds

•Production and planting of native and drought-tolerant species

•Re-vegetation of watersheds affected by catastrophic fires

•Controlling dense vegetation posing a risk of wildfires in watersheds

•Managing animal wastes to maintain surface and groundwater quality

•Fencing of riparian areas to reduce erosion and sedimentation of surface waters

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The $500.0 appropriation contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY02 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

Funds would flow through the New Mexico Department of Agriculture for distribution to conservation districts.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

Most federal grants for soil and water conservation projects require non-federal matching funds of at least 40%.Funds from this appropriation could be used for this purpose.

LG/ar