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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 3/8/05
HB
SHORT TITLE Questa State Park Feasibility Study
SB SJM 88
ANALYST Aguilar
APPROPRIATION
Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring
or Non-Rec
Fund
Affected
FY05
FY06
FY05
FY06
NFI
Indeterminate Nonrecurring State Park Op-
erating Fund
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
Responses Received From
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
Senate Joint Memorial 88 requests the State Parks Division(SPD) conduct a feasibility study on
lands near the town of Questa, New Mexico, that are owned by Molycorp Inc. for the purposes of
creating a state park. The bill also directs the SPD to report its findings to the appropriate in-
terim committee of the legislature by December 1, 2005.
Significant Issues
Section 16-2-11 NMSA 1978 requires a feasibility study be conducted to determine if a particu-
lar area meets the criteria for becoming a state park. SPD is currently working on expan-
sions/land acquisitions at several existing state parks. One new park project (Mesilla Valley) is
underway and three other proposed new state parks; Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Shakespeare
Ghost Town, and Cerrillos Hills are contemplated. State Parks notes with these existing projects,
the December 1, 2005 deadline to report findings to the legislature is aggressive and would re-
quire park staff to divert attention from other priorities.