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

Foley

DATE TYPED

02/11/04

HB

483/aHAGC

 

SHORT TITLE

Study Effects of Tularosa Desalination Plant

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST

Maloy

 

APPROPRIATION

 

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY04

FY05

FY04

FY05

 

$75.0

 

See Narrative

Non-Recurring

General Fund

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

LFC Files

 

Responses Received From

Office of the State Engineer

 

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis of HAGC Amendment

 

The House Agriculture and Water Resources Committee amendment clarifies the proposed desalination plant is in Alamogordo.

 

            Synopsis of Original Bill

 

House Bill 483 appropriates $75.0 thousand from the General Fund to the Office of the State Engineer for expenditure in FY05 for a study by the Tularosa Community Ditch Association of the effects of the proposed water desalination plant on the water table and aquifer.

 

Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY 05 shall revert to the general fund.  

 

 

 

Significant Issues

 

  • “Desalination” relates to the removal of salt from water, thereby creating another source of “fresh water”.

 

  • In light of New Mexico’s drought crisis, seeking alternative approaches to meeting the state’s water needs is prudent.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

There are no implications for the Office of the State Engineer.  Responsibility for the study resides with the local community ditch association.

 

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

 

The Tularosa Community Ditch Association should be required to report its findings to the appropriate legislative committees upon conclusion of the study. 

 

SJM/dm