REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO APPOINT AN INTERIM COMMITTEE TO ANALYZE WATER MANAGEMENT IN NEW MEXICO AND RECOMMEND IMPROVEMENTS IN THE WATER MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE IN NEW MEXICO GOVERNMENT.

WHEREAS, water is New Mexico's most valuable and important natural resource; and

WHEREAS, the future of New Mexico's economic, social and cultural well-being depends on sound management of the state's water resources; and

WHEREAS, there is no single department, agency, commission, board or public official charged with the management of the state's water resources; and

WHEREAS, neighboring states have become more sophisticated and advanced with respect to water management and litigation strategies; and

WHEREAS, the departments, agencies, commissions and boards charged with the various aspects of water resource management in New Mexico have data and information technology resources that are not integrated; and

WHEREAS, the executive branch organizational structure for the management of water has not evolved at a similar pace as our neighboring states and the federal government;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to appoint an interim committee to analyze the water management structure within state government and recommend legislation to consolidate the various state entities that administer, regulate or have authority over issues related to water; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the interim committee be requested to take testimony from and work closely and cooperatively with representatives of municipal, county and tribal governments, irrigation districts, acequia associations, environmental groups, business and industry groups and state entities involved in water management and natural resources matters; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the interim committee be requested to report its findings and recommendations prior to the second session of the forty-fifth legislature; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the director of the legislative council

service.