NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

The LFC is only preparing FIRs on bills referred to the Senate Finance Committee, the Senate Ways and Means Committee, the House Appropriations and Finance Committee and the House Taxation and Revenue Committee. The chief clerks are responsible for preparing and issuing all other bill analyses.

Only the most recent FIR version, excluding attachments, is available on the Intranet. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC office in Room 416 of the State Capitol Building.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department

Environment Department

SUMMARY

Synopsis of SCONC Amendment

The Senate Conservation Committee amendment broadens membership options to the "Riparian Enhancement Task Force" to include a representative of the Interstate Stream Commission and a member of a tribal or pueblo government. In addition, the amendment ensures New Mexico meets its obligations under interstate compacts and court decrees for protecting water rights. The amendment includes regulations for use of aerial herbicides, and any other change is technical in nature.

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 208 proposes to create a small grant and technical assistance program designed to maintain and recover healthy riparian areas. The bill creates the Riparian Enhancement Task Force, defines terms, names the representative membership, establishes duties and authorities, authorizes project funding for watershed and riparian enhancement projects approved by the task force in compliance with the Riparian Enhancement Act, and appropriates $750.0 in general fund for expenditure in FY2000 and subsequent fiscal years.

Significant Issues

The appropriation would create the riparian enhancement fund in the state treasury. The fund would consist of appropriations, gifts, grants, donations and requests and shall not revert at the end of any fiscal year.

Membership of the task force would consist of the directors of the Department of Game and Fish and the Department of Agriculture, the State Engineer, the secretary of the Department of Environment, the Commissioner of Public Lands, and seven public members. The public members will include a representative of each of the following: farming or ranching industries, a Soil and Water Conservation District, New Mexico Riparian Council, tribal environmental office, environmental organization, municipal government, and a university hydrologist or biologist.

The task force is instructed to approve project applications, adopt guidelines for projects, provide recommendations to the Department of Environment, take advantage of opportunities for volunteer participation, and cooperate with state and federal agencies. The task force is allowed to solicit and accept donations and grants.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Senate Bill 208 appropriates $750.0 in recurring general fund for FY2000 and subsequent fiscal years. No more than 15 percent of the appropriation is to be used for administration or per diem and mileage for task force members. The bill creates a nonreverting fund in the state treasury.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

The Environment Department will be required to provide support staff for the task force, oversee enhancement projects, provide technical advice and assistance, request expertise, provide guidance on educational and informational materials that promote public awareness of watershed and riparian health and management, make grants to implement approved projects, and annually report on the design, techniques and results of funded projects.

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