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)

Duplicates HB 266

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

The bill would appropriate $500.0 general fund in FY2000 to the Office of Cultural Affairs (OCA) to supplement federal funds to improve interpretive exhibits and renovate or preserve other historic features at the state monuments. Unexpended funds would revert at the end of FY2000.

Significant Issues

New Mexico's state monuments (Coronado, Fort Selden, Jemez, Lincoln, and Fort Sumner) are popular tourist attractions. The monuments have buildings in need of repair, as well as attractions which could be enhanced.

According to OCA, these funds would be matched with $2 million in federal funds to replace outdated worn out interpretive exhibits and to preserve the historic sites at state monuments statewide. State monuments attract 120,000 visitors statewide each year. These visitors help to boost the economic base throughout the state and particularly in the rural areas where they are located. With the preservation of the historic sites and new interpretive exhibits more visitors will be attracted to the state.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

According to OCA, the appropriation in this bill is needed to match federal funds available through the T-21 program.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

A small portion of the funds would be required to hire a project administrator to oversee the projects.

CONFLICT/DUPLICATION/COMPANIONSHIP/RELATIONSHIP

Duplicates HB266.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

New Mexico contains some of the most significant historic resources in the nation. This bill would help assure they will be protected and preserved for future generations. OCA indicates that these funds will allow that agency to meet its mandate to provide educational opportunities; the current interpretive exhibits fall far below the level of educational elements produced nationally.

According to OCA, Fort Sumner is not included among the state monuments which might benefit from these funds because there is separate legislation which would provide funds for Fort Sumner.

DH/gm