Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are available on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us). Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may also be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

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

SPONSOR	JP Taylor		DATE TYPED	02/02/04		HB	268
SHORT TITLE		Preserve Historic Work Projects Art Treasures				SB
					ANALYST		Johnson

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring Or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	$50.0			Recurring	GF

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to Appropriation in the General Appropriation Act

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Office of Cultural Affairs

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 268 appropriates $50,000 from the general fund to the historic preservation division of the office of cultural affairs for the purpose of restoring and preserving various federal works projects administration (WPA) new deal art treasures.

Significant Issues

The office of cultural affairs provided the following:

Murals, paintings, sculptures and fine art prints that were products of the WPA art projects around the State are in fragile condition. Funds for administration of preservation/conservation grants and education programs through out the state are necessary to keep these New Deal Art treasures available to the citizens of the State and future generations.

Identification of the restoration needs for New Deal art treasures have been conducted in 24 communities around the State by the National New Deal Preservation Association (Association) utilizing private, non-profit, and public funding. In SFY 02, New Mexico Arts was able to assist NM communities with $48,000 in General Fund for restoration of New Deal Art. This was the beginning of a state-wide conservation effort for New Deal Art. In 2004, fourteen (14) major artworks have been identified that are in great need of preservation.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $50.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2005 shall revert to the general fund.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

The office of cultural affairs provided the following:

New Mexico communities that have New Deal art would benefit from this bill because it would provide much needed restoration and preservation funds for repair and or conservation of these cultural treasures as well as education and maintenance of artworks programs. The 1995 book, Treasures of New Mexico Trails identified 162 artists and artisans who worked on WPA arts projects in New Mexico. Many of the paintings, prints, murals, and furniture, as well as carved and decorated building features continue to be exhibited in the public buildings throughout the State, such as schools, libraries, courthouses, city halls, and women’s clubs.

As local and state governments face limited funding sources for essential capitol projects, artwork conservation and community education programs are frequently left out of their budgets. Without preservation funds for the artwork and community education programs now, these artworks will be endangered and possibly lost.

Continued preservation and rehabilitation of New Deal Art within New Mexico communities will preserve these treasures for the people of the State and for future generations. Preservation of New Deal Art will contribute to heritage tourism and economic development efforts in local communities, by attracting citizens of the State and out of state visitors to view the art works within their communities of origin.

Education and maintenance programs to local communities about their New Deal art will celebrate the accomplishments and contributions that this significant national effort made to our State and recognize the artists and artisans that crafted the work with their hands and their minds. It is essential that this cultural heritage be appreciated, protected and preserved for the citizens of the State and future generations.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The bill will have administrative and staffing implications for the Historic Preservation Division and the division has requested a small percentage of the overall funding for administrative costs. The historic preservation division was appropriated about $2,650.0 in fiscal year 2004. However, none of those funds were used for the purpose described in this bill.

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