REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE INTERIM COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE NEED FOR GRANTS FOR UPGRADING FACILITIES OF LOCAL DOMESTIC WATER USERS ASSOCIATIONS.

WHEREAS, the ability to provide quality drinking water requires substantial investment in infrastructure and management; and

WHEREAS, water systems in rural communities, such as those in Rio Arriba, Sandoval and Taos counties, often struggle to provide adequate water utility service due to dispersed service populations, growing demand and aging infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, the limited revenue available to mutual domestic water users associations in these rural communities limits their ability to repay loans for water system improvements;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the legislative council be requested to direct the appropriate interim committee to study the feasibility of providing direct grants for upgrading water system facilities of local domestic water users associations, including an assessment of the needs of these associations and a possible funding mechanism and to make recommendations for legislation by November 1, 1999; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the members of the legislative council.