HOUSE MEMORIAL 54

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2009

INTRODUCED BY

Jane E. Powdrell-Culbert

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE INTERIM WATER AND NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE TO STUDY METHODS TO ASSIST PROPERTY OWNERS IN PREVENTING EROSION DAMAGE FROM FLOODING AND STORM WATER RUNOFF.

     WHEREAS, many communities in New Mexico, including Hatch, Ruidoso, Rio Rancho and Albuquerque, have suffered serious erosion damage from flooding and storm water runoff in recent years; and

     WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the state to encourage erosion control efforts that will prevent similar damage in the future; and

     WHEREAS, although local governments attempt to repair damage to public property, it is often left to individual property owners to initiate and fund improvements to repair erosion damage to their property and prevent such damage in the future; and

     WHEREAS, property owners have difficulty in obtaining information on the best methods to prevent future damage and assistance in determining feasible methods of financing such improvements; and

     WHEREAS, financial incentives would encourage property owners to undertake flood erosion prevention measures that would be beneficial to the community as a whole;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the interim water and natural resources committee, in cooperation with soil and water conservation districts, flood control authorities and the appropriate state agencies, study the problem of flood and storm water erosion damage to private property and make recommendations of methods to encourage property owners to take steps to prevent future erosion, including recommendations for tax credits or other financial incentives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the chair of the interim water and natural resources committee and the director of the legislative council service.

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