AN ACT

RELATING TO HIGHER EDUCATION; CREATING THE WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH INSTITUTE CREATED--PURPOSE.--

          A. The "water resources research institute" is created and shall be a division of New Mexico state university.

          B. Participating institutions associated with the water resources research institute shall be New Mexico state university, the university of New Mexico, New Mexico institute of mining and technology, New Mexico highlands university, eastern New Mexico university and western New Mexico university. The purposes of the institute are to:

                (1) provide research and training in water conservation, planning and management; atmospheric-surface-ground water relations; and water quality;

                (2) transfer water information through the use of technical and miscellaneous publications, newsletters, conferences and presentations;

                (3) provide expertise, specialized assistance and information to address water problems; and

                (4) cooperate with local, state and federal water agencies.

          C. The board of regents of New Mexico state university shall prepare reports showing the progress and condition of the water resources research institute as the board deems necessary. The reports of the institute may be printed and distributed by the board as appropriate, and revenue from the sale of the reports shall be paid into the account of New Mexico state university.

          D. The water resources research institute may receive appropriations from the legislature through the board of regents of New Mexico state university and may receive any other items of value from public or private sources.

HB 193

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