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

SPONSOR Papen

DATE TYPED 3/1/05

HB

SHORT TITLE Study Recognition of Historic Trails

SB SJM 35

ANALYST Hanika-Ortiz

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

FY05

FY06

None

$0.1

REVENUE

Estimated Revenue

Subsequent

Years Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY05

FY06

$0.1 positive for tourism

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Responses Received From

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)

Public Regulation Commission (PRC)

Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Joint Memorial 35 requests that the DCA study and submit recommendations for recog-

nizing historic trails, corridors, train routes, roads and highways. It has been found that these

routes and corridors are significant on both state and national levels, and this study would iden-

tify methods to recognize, commemorate, mark and interpret these resources.

Significant Issues

New Mexico’s historic roads, trails, corridors and railroads represent some of the most ancient

and historically significant cultural landscapes in the United States.

Senate Joint Memorial 35 -- Page 2

There are multiple trails, corridors, train routes, roads and highways throughout the state, such as

El Camino Real, the Old Spanish Trail and the Santa Fe Trail, that have not been uniformly rec-

ognized, commemorated, marked or interpreted. Many of these routes and corridors run nearby

or through properties managed by the State Parks Division (SPD) of the EMNRD. This study

would identify methods to adequately recognize these resources and educate the public as to their

significance. It would also identify methods for state, federal and private entities to work to-

gether to mark and interpret these resources in a uniform manner.

The DCA will report its finding to the appropriate interim legislative committee by October 31,

2005.

PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS

SJM may assist SPD with a uniform, statewide marking system and education programs for park

visitors and tourists.

State Highway Department resources and State Library resources can be used to help document

the evolution of historic roads, trails, corridors and railroads.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

DCA will be responsible for absorbing the costs of the study. In the long-term, depending on the

recommendations of the study and the implementation of those recommendations, there could be

a positive fiscal impact on SPD, by attracting more people to the parks through educational pro-

grams related to these historic routes and corridors.

There will be additional agency expenses for staff time, travel and research materials.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

Administrative implications will be minimal, as DCA would be responsible for creating the

study. The results of the study could have administrative implications in that SPD may partner

with DCA and other agencies in corridor and route identification, education and interpretation

endeavors.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

It is suggested that the time be extended to complete this project as it is a large endeavor.

WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS BILL.

If this bill is not enacted, the identification and interpretation of historic routes and corridors in

New Mexico will continue to be localized and not uniform.

AHO/yr