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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Office of the State Engineer, Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department and the Game and Fish Department.

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

HJM 33 requests the Office of the State Engineer, the Interstate Stream Commission, the various irrigation and conservancy districts, acequias, municipalities, water utilities and other water interest groups to cooperate in managing the water resources of the State of New Mexico.

Significant Issues

The need for cooperation and consensus from the many stakeholders in New Mexico's water issues is necessary. Creating and possible formalizing a consensus building environment would require significant participation by all stakeholders.

The benefit of cooperation and consensus to New Mexico's future direction and development would be significant.

Cooperation implies participation. Significant participation would affect the State Departments and Agencies participating by funneling resources away from current programs.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

If the participation of State Departments and Agencies became significant, additional FTEs may be required.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. Is cooperation and consensus possible with all the various stakeholders?

2. In what ways could cooperation and consensus be developed?

PD/ar/njw