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.

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 Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Relates to SB385

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

General Services Department

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Joint Resolution 13 authorizes the sales or long-term lease of the Fort Stanton facility. The authorization may include the adjoining state-owned Camp Sierra Blanca facility. If the facility is sold, HJR 13 requires the placement of protective preservation covenants on the landscape and all of the character-defining features of the Fort as well as the necessary water rights for the long-term preservation of the site. The sale is authorized at no less than appraised value.

Significant Issues

Fort Stanton was established as a federal military fort on 1,324 acres (more or less) in Lincoln County in 1855. It was the only law enforcement facility during the Lincoln County wars, and was home of the famous Buffalo soldiers.

Fort Stanton is one of the 11 most endangered properties in New Mexico and is recognized in the state register of cultural properties and the national register of historic places and is comprised of forest, grazing lands, agricultural fields, historic building complexes, archaeological sites, two cemeteries and a distinctive cultural landscape.

Fort Stanton was used as a state health care facility between 1953 and 1995.

Laws 2000, Chapter 23(34)(I) appropriated $50.0 to conduct a feasibility study on the future uses of Fort Stanton. The results of that study will be available spring 2001.

The most recent appraisal for Fort Stanton was approximately $9.1 million.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

According to the General Services Department staff, it costs between $250.0 and $500.0 annually for minimum maintenance and security. If the property were sold, the proceeds would be deposited in the Property Control Reserve Fund and subject to legislative appropriation for capital projects in Santa Fe. If the property were leased, the payments would accrue to the Public Buildings Repair Fund which is subject to annual appropriation for capital repairs (statewide) to buildings under the Property Control Division's jurisdiction.

RELATIONSHIP

HJR 13 is related to SB 385 (Ft. Stanton Complex Improvements).

WC/ar