NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only 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 for other purposes.

The most recent FIR version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative Website. The Adobe PDF version includes all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

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

SPONSOR:	Varela		DATE TYPED:	2/11/03		HB	301
SHORT TITLE:		Recognize National Historic Trails in NM				SB
					ANALYST:		Collard

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained		Estimated Additional Impact		Recurring or Non-Rec	Fund Affected
FY03	FY04	FY03	FY04
	$150.0		See Narrative	Recurring	General Fund

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

Responses Received From

Tourism Department

Office of Cultural Affairs/Museum of New Mexico

New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department – Environmental Section

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

House Bill 301 appropriates $150.0 from the general fund to the Tourism Department for the purpose of developing and implementing a plan of activities to promote recognition, understanding and celebration of national historic trails and byways in New Mexico, including:

· El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro,

· Santa Fe Trail,

· Old Spanish Trail, and

· Route 66.

Significant Issues

The Tourism Department must coordinate with the museum of New Mexico’s palace of the governors and other appropriate state museums, state and federal agencies, state and local historical societies and associations, local convention and visitors’ bureaus and chambers of commerce. The department shall also report to the legislative finance committee on proposed activities.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

The appropriation of $150.0 contained in this bill is a recurring expense to the general fund. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY05 shall revert to the general fund.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department indicates the Scenic Byways Coordinator in Planning and a historic resource specialist in the Environment Section would be required to devote time to this effort for consultation, at minimum.

The Office of Cultural Affairs notes the palace of the governors would assist when necessary or appropriate.

The Tourism Department indicates a minor increase in administrative responsibilities in overseeing this project and reporting to the legislative finance committee.

No additional FTE will be needed for any of the agencies involved.

TECHNICAL ISSUES

The Office of Cultural Affairs notes that the bill could benefit from a more specific definition of the participating agencies, societies and associations. The office indicates the bill should clearly identify the roles of these participants and the expected outcome.

OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES

The New Mexico State Highway and Transportation Department recommends that it be included as a major consulting party, as the department is the owner of many of the historic byways affected by this bill. The department indicates it can ensure no proposed activities conflict with current state or federal law concerning historic trails and road resources. The department requests, at minimum, the Scenic Byways Coordinator in Planning and a historic resource specialist from the Environmental Section of the department be consulting members of this development plan.

The Office of Cultural Affairs notes the New Mexico State Monuments (a unit of the Museum of New Mexico) could also be a consulting member of the development plan.

KBC/njw