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

SPONSOR:	Rodella		DATE TYPED:	02/03/00		HB	203/aHTC
SHORT TITLE:		Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad				SB
					ANALYST:		Woodlee

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY00	FY01	FY00	FY01	Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
$ 400.0				Recurring	General Fund
$ 26.9				Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Tourism Department

Attorney General

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Amendment

The amendment adds an appropriation to the office of the Attorney General for litigation costs related to New Mexico's share of defense cost for the Cubres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission. This is an additional $26.9 from the general fund to be expended in fiscal years 2000 and 2001.

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 203 appropriates funds to the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission for renovations and repairs.

Significant Issues

The Cumbres and Toltec scenic railroad is prime source of tourism revenue for northern New Mexicans, particularly in the community of Chama. If repairs are not completed, the federal Department of Transportation may close down the railroad if there are serious safety concerns in regards to passengers.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The bill appropriates $400.0 from the general fund for expenditure in fiscal years 2000 and 2001. In addition, the appropriation is contingent upon the state of Colorado providing a match of $400.0. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 shall revert to the general fund. The bill contains an emergency clause, taking effect immediately.

The amendment appropriates $26.0 from the general fund to the office of the Attorney General. The total fiscal impact of HB 203/aHTC is $426.0 from the general fund.

MW/njw