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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T
SPONSOR Feldman
ORIGINAL DATE
LAST UPDATED
01-30-08
HB
SHORT TITLE “State Parks Day"
SJM 39
ANALYST Woods
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
Responses Received From
Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)
Public Education Department (PED)
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
Senate Joint Memorial 39 recognizes the seventy-fifth anniversary of the New Mexico State Park
System in 2008, requests that the Governor proclaim August 31, 2008 as “State Parks Day" in
recognition of the diamond jubilee of the New Mexico State Park System, and requests that the
diamond jubilee of the New Mexico State Park System be properly observed throughout 2008.
SIGNIFICANT ISSUES
EMNRD indicates that the New Mexico State Parks System was formally established on August
31, 1933, when Governor Arthur Seligman appointed the first State Park Commission, making
New Mexico eligible for federal funds through the New Deal and the Emergency Conservation
Work Act. Work on the first four state parks began that year. Since 1933, the New Mexico State
Park System has evolved to include 34 parks that serve over four million visitors annually. The
State Parks Division (SPD) has considerable plans to celebrate the 75th anniversary throughout
2008 with programs, special events, park improvement projects, and visitor benefits.
PERFORMANCE IMPLICATIONS
EMNRD adds that enhanced visibility of the New Mexico State Park System with the public
during the 75th anniversary year could help the State Parks Division meet its performance
measures for visitation and self-generated revenue in FY08 and FY09.
ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS
EMNRD advises that there are no direct administrative implications, and that SPD already has a
year-long, 75th anniversary program planned and underway.