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

SPONSOR Cisneros

DATE TYPED 2/22/2005 HB

SHORT TITLE Acquire Land Near State Parks

SB 468/aSCONC

ANALYST Aguilar

REVENUE

Estimated Revenue

Subsequent

Years Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

Indeterminate

Indeterminate Recurring State Parks Operat-

ing fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of SCONC Amendment

The Senate Conservation Committee amendment adds a provision requiring the State Parks Divi-

sion to consult with local governmental entities on land acquisition activities.

Synopsis of Original Bill

Senate Bill 468 provides the State Parks Division authority to acquire lands adjacent or contigu-

ous to existing state parks if the lands will become part of the park without requiring legislative

approval for each purchase. These lands could be acquired through donation or purchase from

willing sellers with State Board of Finance (SBF) approval, if adequate state park funds are

available.

SB 468 makes technical changes to language.

Senate Bill 468/aSCONC -- Page 2

Significant Issues

State Parks Division (SPD) reports SB 468 will enhance the division’s ability to improve state

parks by giving the agency tools to be more responsive, flexible, and proactive. In many in-

stances, opportunities for land acquisition, either through donation or purchase from willing sell-

ers, occur when the Legislature is not in session. This bill will enhance SPD’s ability to protect

such lands from development or capitalize on expanded park recreational, educational and re-

source protection opportunities. In addition, delays in the acquisition process can significantly

increase the State’s costs. SB 468 would remedy these problems and produce timelier, less

costly outcomes for the State of New Mexico.

This bill only affects land acquisition on parcels adjacent or contiguous to existing state parks or

recreational areas. For SPD to acquire lands, the process requires State Board of Finance review

and approval and SPD can only acquire lands if adequate funds are available. SB 468 does not

modify language relating to new parks. The division will still be required to seek legislative ap-

proval for any new park initiatives. SPD will still be required to perform all feasibility require-

ments for acquisition of lands as currently stated in existing law, demonstrating the viability of

new parks to the legislature prior to any new park approval.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

One of State Parks key performance measures involve park visitation and revenue. Appropriate

acquisitions may allow SPD to offer diverse recreational and educational opportunities that are

not currently available at some parks.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The acquisition of new land parcel expanding state parks may result in additional use of the park,

thereby generating additional revenue. The amount generated is indeterminate at this time and

will require analysis when parcels are purchased.

PA/lg:yr