RELATING TO AVIATION; CREATING THE AIR SERVICE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM; MAKING AN APPROPRIATION; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

Section 1. A new section of the Aviation Act is enacted to read:

"AIR SERVICE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CREATED.--An air service assistance program is created to provide assistance to airlines in the establishment of regional air service for small communities to and from hub airports in the southwest United States. The division shall administer the air service assistance program and shall establish regulations for eligibility for assistance, including the maximum amount a recipient may receive."

Section 2. APPROPRIATION.--Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) is appropriated from the state road fund to the state highway and transportation department for expenditure in fiscal years 1999 and 2000 by the aviation division to carry out the provisions of this act for an air service assistance program. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2000 shall revert to the general fund.

Section 3. EMERGENCY.--It is necessary for the public peace, health and safety that this act take effect immediately.