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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Madalena		DATE TYPED:	01/24/02		HB	148
SHORT TITLE:		Rio Jemez Drainage Basin Water Settlement				SB
					ANALYST:		Chabot

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

$50.0

Non-Recurring

General Fund

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

Office of the State Engineer (OSE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

HB 148 appropriates $50.0 from the general fund to the local government division of the department of finance and administration (DFA) for the purpose of entering into a joint powers agreement to facilitate and fund activities necessary for the Pueblos of Zia, Santa Ana and Jemez and other adjudication parties to participate in the Rio Jemez drainage basin water settlement and irrigation negotiations regarding the pending federal and Native American claims.

Significant Issues

According to OSE, on December 1, 2000, a decree was signed in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque adjudicating the non-Indian water rights on the Rio Jemez. A federal negotiation team is working with the pueblos, the state and other participants to settle the water rights claims of the Pueblos of Zia, Santa Ana and Jemez. This appropriation will pay part of the pueblos costs in this effort through 2004.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $50.0 contained in this bill is a non-recurring expense to the general fund; however, additional funding maybe required if the adjudications are not completed by the end of fiscal year 2004. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2004 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

DFA would have to develop joint powers agreements with the three pueblos and determine what expenses would be covered by this appropriation.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

What type of pueblo expenses are to be funded by this appropriation ?

GC/ar