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





SPONSOR: Madalena DATE TYPED: 02/15/01 HB 700
SHORT TITLE: Sandoval County Acequias SB
ANALYST: Chabot


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY01 FY02 FY01 FY02
$ 5.0 Non-Recurring General Fund



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC Files

New Mexico Acequia Association (NMAA)

Office of the State Engineer (SEO)



No Response

Department of Finance and Administration (DFA)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



This bill appropriates $5.0 from the general fund to DFA for the purpose of completing a study to provide historical information and determine the current status of the community ditch systems located in Sandoval county and to increase the awareness of the public of the historical, cultural and social importance of acequia agriculture in Sandoval county.



Significant Issues



When completed, the study will provide a history of community ditch systems in Sandoval county. SEO states that the study may conclude that water rights that have been abandoned may be considered as valid as a result of this study. All water rights are determined through the adjudication process.











FISCAL IMPLICATIONS



The appropriation of $5.0 contained in this bill is a non-recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund. Due to the small amount of the appropriation, there is concern that a complete study of community ditches in Sandoval county may not be accomplished.



TECHNICAL ISSUES



The bill should be amended to provide how and to whom the study is to be presented upon completion.



GAC/ar