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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

SB 656 appropriates $100,000 from the general fund to the state parks division of EMNRD for a recreational trail feasibility study for the south valley of Bernalillo county.

Significant Issues

EMNRD believes that it would be more appropriate for the county of Bernalillo or the Local Government Division of the Department of Finance and Administration to handle this appropriation.

EMNRD is currently limited to the distribution of federal grant funding to communities statewide, and there is a potential conflict in administering this feasibility study to competing communities.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

SB 656 appropriates $100.0 from the general fund to EMNRD for a recreational trail feasibility for the south valley of Bernalillo county for expenditure in fiscal year 2002. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the of fiscal year 2002 shall revert to the general fund.

The funds for the feasibility study will be non-recurring. However if the results of the study determine that the project is feasible, there will be a need for funds to implement and operate the recreational trail.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

EMNRD claims that the project management and implementation of this study is beyond their staff expertise and knowledge. They could, however use the funds to contract for the study.

DW/ar