SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 28

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2003

INTRODUCED BY

Roman M. Maes III









A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE TO EVALUATE THE FEASIBILITY OF CREATING A REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY FOR THE SANTA FE AREA.



WHEREAS, water is critical for the economy and well-being of the citizens of Santa Fe and the immediate surroundings; and

WHEREAS, the Santa Fe watershed is in danger of losing its water storage capacity; and

WHEREAS, the city of Santa Fe and the county residents are dependent on the same sources for their water supply; and

WHEREAS, governmental jurisdictions are not now geographically defined according to water resource areas, and jurisdictional problems exacerbate water supply and management dilemmas, such as watershed management and drinking water services; and

WHEREAS, current water management and delivery responsibilities in Santa Fe are divided among many local, state and federal agencies and other political subdivisions; and

WHEREAS, a regional water authority created for the mission of water resource management and delivery with powers vested in it to determine water rights issues, water management decisions and utility functions for delivery of wet water would be more efficient and politically accountable for resolving currently insurmountable issues; and

WHEREAS, other metropolitan areas have established regional water authorities to coordinate water resource management and delivery functions; and

WHEREAS, for example, the Denver water board provides water to the metropolitan Denver area, thereby, minimizing inter-jurisdictional conflict that can hamper the mission of water management agencies;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to direct the appropriate committee to evaluate the feasibility of creating a regional water authority for the Santa Fe area to supersede all other state and local authorities over water; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the New Mexico legislative council.