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	Cisneros		DATE TYPED	02/10/04		HB
SHORT TITLE		Acequia-Related Provisions in Water Plan				SB	428
					ANALYST		Maloy

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY04	FY05	FY04	FY05
	$100.0		See Narrative	Recurring	Irrigation Works Construction Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

No Response Received From

Office of the State Engineer

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 428 appropriates $100 thousand from the Irrigation Works Construction Fund to the Local Government Division of the Department of Finance and Administration for expenditure in FY05 to assist the New Mexico Acequia Commission develop a program for building capacity, and for developing and implementing water plans.

Significant Issues

• The Acequia Commission, and local community ditch and acequia associations, must coordinate their local efforts with the Office of the State Engineer’s statewide water plan.

• The Office of the State Engineer has approximately 60% of the regional water plans for the state complete. Will these resources be concentrated in those areas that have not adopted a regional plan?

• There is concern regarding the viability of the State Engineer’s Income Funds. It is expected that the Funds will be depleted by FY06.

• While this may appear to be a one-time, special appropriation, the costs involved are recurring to the state.

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

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Senate Bill 428 appropriates $100.0 from the Irrigation Works Construction Fund.

TECHNICAL ISSUE

Should unexpended balances revert to the Irrigation Works Construction Fund rather than the General Fund? (Reference p.1, line 25)

RELATIONSHIP

SB 428 relates to HB 252. HB 252 appropriates $100.0 thousand from the Irrigation Works Construction Fund to the Local Government Division of the Department of Finance and Administration to aid the New Mexico Acequia Commission in supporting local community ditch and acequia associations with the adoption of acequia bylaws, rules and regulations.

SJM/dm