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

SPONSOR Campos

DATE TYPED 2/14/05

HB 749

SHORT TITLE Route 66 License Plate Revenue Distribution

SB

ANALYST Rosen

REVENUE

Estimated Revenue

Subsequent

Years Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

Indeterminate

Indeterminate Recurring

General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Responses Received From

Tourism Department (TD)

Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA)

No Responses Received From

Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD)

Department of Transportation (DOT)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 749 amends the motor vehicle code and directs $25 of the $35 dollar annual fee for a

special Route 66 commemorative plate to be distributed to the historic preservation division of

DCA, instead of the Scenic Byways program of DOT, for purposes of funding the revitalization

and preservation of historic Route 66 in New Mexico.

Significant Issues

DCA indicates DOT’s Scenic Byways program has been “inactive” since its authorization in

2003.

TD indicates actions to increase the exposure and attractiveness of this historic highway would

benefit numerous New Mexico cities.

House Bill 749 -- Page 2

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

According to DCA, this bill will positively impact all of HPD’s preservation performance meas-

ures.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Indeterminate due to lack of agency response.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

DCA indicates affinity organizations will market the plates and HPD will receive the revenue,

maintain accounts and process grant applications. DCA notes that since HPD currently manages

grants in a similar manner, this program will parallel those already established.

TD reports it actively promotes numerous events that occur or are themed on Route 66, either

directly or through the TD cooperative advertising program.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

DCA reports the preservation of Route 66 landmarks is within the mission of HPD and is sup-

ported through existing state statutes [Prehistoric and Historic Sites Preservation Act 18-8-1

through 18-8-8, NMSA 1978, Cultural Properties Protection Act 18-6A-1 through 18-6A-6,

NMSA 1978]. HPD’s record includes partnerships with numerous organizations including the

New Mexico Route 66 Association and the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Office of the Na-

tional Park Service. Multiple cultural resources related to Route 66 are listed in the State Register

of Cultural Properties and the National Register of Historic Places. HPD reports these revenues

will substantially enhance the ability of New Mexico’s Route 66 communities to plan and im-

plement preservation projects and promote heritage tourism.

WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS BILL.

DCA reports the sale of the Route 66 commemorative license plates may continue to languish,

impacting Route 66 communities in need of revitalization and preservation.

JR/yr