Fiscal impact reports (FIRs) are prepared by the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) for standing finance

committees of the NM Legislature. The LFC does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of these reports

if they are used for other purposes.

Current FIRs (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) are a vailable on the NM Legislative Website (legis.state.nm.us).

Adobe PDF versions include all attachments, whereas HTML versions may not. Previously issued FIRs and

attachments may be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

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

SPONSOR Ingle

ORIGINAL DATE

LAST UPDATED

2-6-2008

HB

SHORT TITLE Study Blackwater Draw Archaeological Site

SM 42

ANALYST Woods

APPROPRIATION (dollars in thousands)

Appropriation

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY08

FY09

NFI

NFI

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL OPERATING BUDGET IMPACT (dollars in thousands)

FY08

FY09

FY10 3 Year

Total Cost

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

Total

15.0

1

NA

15.0

Non-

Recurring

General

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 Memorial 42 requests a study by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources (EMNRD),

State Parks Division (SPD) on the feasibility of a long-term partnership with Eastern New

Mexico University (ENMU) at the Blackwater Draw site, which would include analyzing its

potential as a State Park. SPD is requested to present the study and its recommendations to the

appropriate interim legislative committee by December 1, 2008.

There is no appropriation attached to this legislation.

1

Cost projections are included in the agency response. See Fiscal Implications section for methodology.

Senate Memorial 42 – Page

2

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

EMNRD advises that the legislation directs SPD to undertake a study that would cost SPD

around $15,000 in personnel and other costs (salary, travel, per diem, printing, etc.). SPD does

not have available budget in FY08 to begin the study, SPD has not requested any funding in the

FY09 budget to perform the requested study, and SJM 42 does not include any appropriations to

SPD in order to conduct the study. If no funds are appropriated for either fiscal year, study costs

would have to come out of the FY08 and FY09 operating budgets for SPD Normally SPD

estimates the cost of such a study at $15,000, but because of the proximity to Oasis State Park

and a prior working relationship, SPD believes the cost can be less than usually estimated.

SIGNIFICANT ISSUES

EMNRD indicates that the Blackwater Draw site near Portales is one of the best known Paleo-

Indian sites in North America and is recognized internationally for its significance. Excavations

at Blackwater Draw have uncovered some of the earliest evidence of human occupation in North

America in association with now-extinct, late Pleistocene fauna, including the Columbian

mammoth, bison antiquus, and dire wolf. This site was and continues to draw international

scientific attention and visitation. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961.

EMNRD adds, that, currently, ENMU owns and manages the property. The Blackwater Draw

site is one mile from Oasis State Park. A partnership between SPD and ENMU at Blackwater

Draw was begun in 2005, when the legislature authorized the expenditure of funds by SPD to

improve facilities and educational opportunities at Blackwater Draw. In 2007, SPD expended

$74,000 at Blackwater Draw, constructing a group shelter and installing interpretive signs

throughout the site.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

EMNRD states: “Without supplemental appropriations to complete the study, SPD will have to

prioritize this study at the expense of other ongoing projects."

WHAT WILL BE THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT ENACTING THIS BILL

EMNRD states: “No feasibility study will be prepared."

BFW/mt