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.
| SPONSOR: | Roberts | DATE TYPED: | 02/14/01 | HB | 521 | ||
| SHORT TITLE: | Lea County Ground Water Assessments | SB | |||||
| ANALYST: | Dotson | ||||||
| Recurring
or Non-Rec |
Fund
Affected | ||||
| FY01 | FY02 | FY01 | FY02 | ||
| $ 71.0 | Non-Recurring | General Fund | |||
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
Relates to HB 114 and SB 81
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
New Mexico Environment Department and the Office of the State Engineer
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
HB 521 appropriates $71.0 from the general fund to the Local Government Division of the Department of Finance and Administration for expenditure in FY 2002 to support the Lea County Water Users' Association in the development of ground water models, well monitoring, assessment of deep aquifers, audits of municipal water use and analysis of the potential for ground water storage and recovery options
Significant Issues
The Office of the State Engineer (OSE) and the United States Geological Service (USGS) have developed models for the Lea County basin. The OSE and the USGS have an ongoing program within Lea County for monitoring of water levels within the basin. The OSE has records of water uses within Lea County
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
The appropriation of $71.0 contained in this bill is a non-recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of 2002 shall revert to the general fund.
ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS
According to the State Engineer, the OSE and USGS have developed models and have most of the information required by this bill. The development of new models or other information should be done in coordination with the OSE and the USGS. New models should be done in coordination with those agencies.
CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP
According to the State Engineer, HB 114 and SB 81 provide funding for implementation of regional water plans. Lea County has one of two completed plans and its plan includes the implementation activities identified in this bill.
OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES
The Office of the State Engineer suggests appropriating the money from the general fund through the Office of the State Engineer to the Lea County Water Users' Association.
PD/ar